The link between active learning and the development of graduate attributes has been cogently advocated in pedagogical research. Despite the extensive adoption of fieldwork in environmental and social sciences, enigmatically, there are no reported applications of fieldwork in construction and related engineering disciplines. This paper employs a case study approach to address this gap and exemplify the application of fieldwork in a postgraduate construction degree programme. It presents a robust design framework for assessed residential fieldwork that aids the scaffolding of a holistic set of graduate attributes. The framework promotes undertaking field-based experiential learning in international destinations in order to support the development of adaptable leadership and graduate future readiness for the fourth industrial revolution. After discussing its theoretical underpinnings, the paper presents the context for the case study, the design framework and stages of the fieldwork and concludes with an evaluation of its implementation, limitations and implications for practice.