University partnership helps to build careers in construction

UOS_STUDENT_VISIT_001Graham Construction has hosted 25 young people from across the UK on one of its major projects as part of a skills and employment initiative.

The site visit was attended by young people aged between 16 and 17 years, from different corners of the United Kingdom as part of a ‘Built Environment Taster Course’ organised by Glasgow Caledonian University in partnership with HeadStart, a programme run by nationwide education charity EDT.

The staff at Glasgow Caledonian university organised a challenging an exciting four-day course which included lectures, tutorials and even a sightseeing tour around the city.

Young people apply to get an insight into the construction industry as a potential career opportunity after they leave school. Using a Built Environment university course as a pathway into the sector.



Students were given a tour of the University of Strathclyde’s new sport, health & wellbeing facility, which Graham Construction is currently delivering on behalf of the academic institution.

Graham Construction contracts manager, Tony Dixon, said: “We always endeavour to accommodate young people onto projects, showcasing the opportunities which a career in construction can lead to.

“This is a major development utilising many different techniques which can each be studied in depth by potential students.

“Feedback from these tours is always positive and we’re glad to see so many enthusiastic youngsters who want to find out more about construction.



UOS_STUDENT_VISIT_003Dr Nicola Callaghan, a lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University, said: “The Built Environment Taster Course was very successful, promoting Higher Education as a clear route into the construction industry.

“I’d like to thank the University of Strathclyde and Graham Construction for dedicating a morning to guiding the students around the site. We put together a varied itinerary over the four days and this was definitely one of the highlights.”

EDT (The Engineering Development Trust) has been established for over 30 years as a charitable trust providing hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) activities and engineering experience to encourage young people into technology-based careers.

Located on a prominent junction within the University campus, and on a major arterial route into the centre of Glasgow, the Strathclyde Sport health and wellbeing facility will include two four-court multi-use sports halls, a six-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a fitness suite with more than 180 stations, two squash courts and four consultation and treatment rooms.



The investment is part of the University’s £650 million investment in its campus over the current decade, and will support health and wellbeing for the entire University community, as well as enabling students and sports clubs to train and compete at the highest levels.

Work on the project began in November 2016, with the centre expected to open in Summer 2018.


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