S5 pupils from the Clyde Gateway area are celebrating their graduation from a programme designed to introduce them to a career in the built environment industry.

Budding engineers from St Mungo’s Academy, Eastbank Academy, Trinity High and Stonelaw Academy took part in the ten-week Get Into Engineering programme, run in collaboration between Clyde Gateway, Robertson Group, Glasgow Kelvin College and the University of the West of Scotland (UWS).

Now in its fifth year, the programme included training on Computer Aided Design (CAD), where the students created and 3D printed wheels before fitting them on foam rocket cars and putting them to the test at Glasgow Kelvin College – reaching speeds of 50mph.

The students also experienced life in a live work environment when they enjoyed two visits to Robertson Central West’s Red Tree development in Shawfield – part of Glasgow’s new satellite business district – receiving a tour of the site before taking part in civil engineering activities led by the team.

Gemma Gourlay, director of social sustainability for Robertson Group, said: “It’s important for us as industry leaders to work in collaboration with education providers and programmes such as Clyde Gateway to support such a positive initiative that has a lasting impact on the next generation of construction engineers.

“Not only are the pupils able to try their hand at the different technologies and processes used in engineering, but they supplement their practical skills with our specially designed e-learning module which helps build a theoretical understanding of mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering.

“Hopefully we’ll one day welcome the pupils as Robertson engineers to our projects across the country!”

Natalie Phillips, project manager (education, business and community growth) for Clyde Gateway, said: “The Get Into Engineering programme is now in its fifth year and is proving to be more popular than ever. It is all about offering additional learning opportunities around the STEM agenda to our young students and providing them with a first-hand experience into what is one of the most in-demand professions in the modern economy.

“It is a programme that we are proud of for so many reasons and a superb example of what can be achieved through collaboration and the excellent and invaluable support from universities and businesses.”

The students also visited the UWS campus in Paisley, taking a tour of the engineering facilities and the labs.

Red Tree Shawfield was procured through Scape Group’s National Major Works Framework, now superseded by Major Works Scotland, part of the (Scape) National Construction framework, and delivered by Robertson in partnership with Willmott Dixon.