BTS DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION COURSE | PREVIEW


Left:


Photos of 2025 cohort of tunnellers at the highly-regarded BTS Design and Construction Course, held over an intensive week at the University of Warwick IMAGE COURTESY: MIKE KING


“…provides the full range of essential learning and


the ‘need to know’ for those committed to a career in the tunnelling industry.” And, if all of that is not enough, we can consider


some of the other advantages of attending the course – other than the evening sporting socials that are included for those willing to demonstrate their prowess outside of tunnelling. Firstly, this is the opportunity to listen to, talk with,


and question some of the leading practitioners in our field today, both inside the lecture theatre, and to outside of the classroom. The lecturers are experts, having led and defined specific aspects of tunnelling during their careers and contributed to major projects around the world. Whether this experience is related to design,


construction, machine technology, materials, sustainability, risk or contractual and financial practices, the week in Warwick probably assembles one of the broadest and deepest pools of tunnelling knowledge outside of a major international tunnelling conference - just for the benefit of our industry’s future, and an opportunity not to be missed. And they don’t just appear on the day and hide back


in a dark hole in the ground somewhere after the end of the event. The personal contact can continue well beyond the


course itself and provide potential routes to gather further knowledge and obtain assistance outside of the attendee’s own company should difficult circumstances arise. Let’s face it, our industry loves to discuss tunnelling


issues inside and outside of work, inside and outside of a suitable watering hole, and trying to stop the presenters from talking is the real challenge.


OPPORTUNITIES TO NETWORK Attendees have the chance to meet their future collaborators, colleagues and peers. They quickly form a common bond under the circumstances of a shared - if intense - lecturing and workshop experience. These are people that attendees are likely to come across time and again over the years to come, on both sides of the table, in friendship and possibly under adversity.


CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT The aim of the course is to provide information that is up-to-date and applicable to the industry, and for this, constructive comment and feedback is always welcome and appreciated - from attendees and also, if possible, from those who have since attained additional industry experience following their attendance. Specific timings of lectures for the 2026 BTS Design


and Construction Course are still under development but, in outline, the course content includes: ● Management and operation of assets; ● Health and Safety integration; ● Site investigation; ● Ground treatment; ● Segmental linings; ● Sprayed concrete linings; ● Pipe jacking; ● Ground movements; ● Sustainability and materials; ● Monitoring; ● Risk; ● Machine technology; ● Logistics; ● Temporary works.


This is an intensive programme with much to cover but presenters are generally more than happy to help after sessions, and following on after the course, to discuss areas that they have not had quite enough time to cover. Whatever your position or background within the


industry, and if you are relatively new to tunnelling, the course is vital and unique opportunity. Whether you are looking at a career in consulting,


contracting, project management, project development as a client, or within the financial and insurance sectors; whether you are UK based or overseas, if it involves tunnels and shafts, then a week away at Warwick University in July might be just what you need.


To find out more and book your place online (deadline 30 May), go to: https://britishtunnelling.com Questions? Contact Mike King: mktunnelling@outlook.com


May 2026 | 25


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