The students have been working alongside ENGIE’s site management team at Blairgrove and Merryston Towers, as well as Glen Court and Millbrae Court in Coatbridge, where ENGIE is delivering £18.5 million worth of regeneration as part of North Lanarkshire Council’s long-term commitment to investing in existing stock.

Jack Lavery, an HNC Built Environment student at New College Lanarkshire’s Motherwell Campus, said: “I’ve gained great insight into how site management operates on a live project – so far I’ve been involved in reviewing method statements and risk assessments, ensuring they’ve been completed correctly and meet all of ENGIE’s requirements.

“It’s been a great experience for me to learn about the skills and behaviours a good manager needs to have and I’m really looking forward to completing the rest of my placement.”

Ian Hill, lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering and Automotive at New College Lanarkshire, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with ENGIE to enable our construction students to participate in work placements and site visits. These opportunities help expand their skills and knowledge as well as give them a greater understanding of the careers available within the industry.

“Our HNC Built Environment students will be going into construction management roles in the future, so this on-site experience allows them to see first-hand what is involved in overseeing major developments.

“We have already had great feedback from our students, and we hope to build upon our relationship with ENGIE in the future.”

Councillor Heather Brannan-McVey, North Lanarkshire Council’s convener of housing and regeneration, added: “By working with our partners we’re having a positive impact on the lives of our residents.

“Our long-term ambitious housing programme is set to deliver huge improvements in council housing in the years to come but it’s also supporting our local economy and providing job opportunities.

“By giving students first-hand experience of the construction industry it equips them with the skills and knowledge to further their career. I wish each student a very successful career in construction.”

ENGIE’s regional managing director, Brian Pettigrew, said: “ENGIE are delighted to be working in partnership with New College Lanarkshire to provide HNC Built Environment students with insightful and rewarding work placement opportunities at our high-rise refurbishment project in Coatbridge.

“We look forward to continuing to work with New College Lanarkshire throughout this project, providing students with real insight into the construction industry. We must also thank our sub-contractor Strathmech in helping support this initiative.”