Michael Crombie, 24, joined the business on a part-time basis earlier this year and went full time in May after finishing exams at coursework at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen and graduating with a first class honours degree.

However, despite the success of obtaining a coveted graduate position straight out of university, Michael said that a career in quantity surveying was not always a given.

He said: “After school I did an HNC in Accountancy, but I knew I wanted a role in construction in. It was my mum who suggested I look at surveying as a possible option as it seemed to tick a lot of boxes. When I started my course, we covered both quantity and building surveying before being asked to focus on one for the rest of the degree and it was my love of numbers that pushed me in this direction.

“My day-to-day tasks involve liaising with contractors, dealing with pricing variations and payments and revising drawings. I’m the only quantity surveyor within McKenna Group so there is a lot of responsibility and I have already been involved in some high-profile projects such as Milltimber Primary School in Aberdeen and Caird Avenue Nursery in Dundee, but there has been lots of support from within the business, so I haven’t felt overwhelmed.”

Based at Claverhouse Industrial Park in Dundee, McKenna Group employs around 80 people across several divisions, including mechanical, electrical, fire and security, and renewables.

Ian McKenna, managing director at McKenna Group, said: “Michael’s enthusiasm and willingness to learn and contribute are admirable and the fact that he has already been actively involved in some of our most high-profile projects is testament to the trust and respect he has gained in such a short time.

“Since joining the business in March this year Michael has proven to be a real asset to us, and I see him having a bright career in our industry. We are proud to be able to support the next generation of talent and are always open to hearing from recent or upcoming graduates or anyone looking to gain experience in the construction sector.”

Professor David McClean, head of the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment at Robert Gordon University, added: “Employability is at the core of what RGU offers its students and we pride ourselves in preparing our students for their future careers.

“Therefore, we emphasise on ‘whole person education’ which focuses on the broader development of the individual beyond professional expertise which involves inculcating skills such as personal interaction, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, innovation among others. We are proud that Michael Crombie has been appointed by the McKenna Group and wish him all the best in his career.”