Sewell Construction project shortlisted for 'Tech for Good' award

Sewell Construction and augmented reality and marketing agency HelloU Creative have been shortlisted for the Prolific North Champions Awards 2026 in the ‘Tech for Good’ category.

The nomination recognises the AR Careers Ambassadors Campaign, an initiative designed to bring careers advice to life and inspire the next generation to explore opportunities within the construction industry.

Developed by HelloU in collaboration with Sewell Construction, the project supports the ambition to address the construction skills gap by helping young people better understand the wide range of roles available across the sector. With an estimated 239,000 additional workers needed by 2029, the initiative aims to challenge misconceptions and open up new pathways for future talent.

Delivered within Sewell’s Digital Construction Academy in Hull, the project provides a safe, hands-on environment where students can explore careers in a format that reflects how they naturally engage with content today.

Through a series of interactive career ambassador experiences, based on real people working within the industry, young people can explore roles in a way that feels engaging, accessible, and relevant to them. The experience moves beyond traditional careers materials, creating something more immersive and memorable.

The approach focuses on simplicity and accessibility, ensuring the experience can be easily used across education settings without barriers.

Since launch, the campaign has demonstrated strong engagement, including more than 100 interactions at its initial launch and an average of around 500 uses per month from students, educators, and visitors.

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with students and educators highlighting how the experience makes careers feel more real, engaging, and easier to understand.

Helen Gill, Director at HelloU Creative, said:

“This project is about using creativity and technology with purpose – helping young people see what’s possible for their future in a way that feels engaging, accessible, and inspiring.”

Mark Boothby, Joint Managing Director at Sewell Construction, added:

“We wanted to create something that would inspire young people and help them better understand the opportunities within construction. This project brings that to life in a way that really connects.”

The Tech for Good Award celebrates initiatives that use technology to address societal challenges, promote inclusivity, and deliver meaningful outcomes. The AR Careers Ambassadors Campaign reflects this through its focus on improving access to careers education, helping young people better understand future opportunities, and supporting long-term skills development within the construction industry.

The Prolific North Champions Awards 2026 will take place on 14th May 2026 at Emirates Old Trafford, bringing together leading organisations from across the North’s creative, digital, tech, and marketing sectors, with winners announced during a live ceremony.