University of Strathclyde students create a platform into construction

Civil Engineering students from University of Strathclyde spent the week at Sibbald Training Ltd 's complex completing a five day training course organised by ConStructEd Scotland and supported by McLaughlin & Harvey, Deans Civil Engineering and Curtins . 

The course is designed to give students a hands-on learning experience, challenging them to put their learned knowledge into practice by simulating a live construction site set with realistic time and financial constraints.

During the pre-planning stage, the group spent time finalising their vision for the project, carefully considering all aspects of project management including health and safety, risk registers, time management and financial implications.

Over the course of the five days, the students were tasked with delivering a Kiloh Teardrop Viewing Platform, requiring them to work together in groups to tackle different aspects of the construction process. They gained first-hand experience in excavating and levelling out foundations, fixing and installing a steel superstructure and working closely with other resources such as concrete, cladding and support cables. 

By completing the course, the students have gained a deeper understanding of the many day to day challenges on a live construction site, and in the process developed their ability to adapt and create practical solutions to be able to deliver their project on time and to budget effectively.

Dale Lyon , Director of Concrete Scotland, who managed the close supervision of the students, commented:

“ConStructED values the collaborations that we have with construction companies and consulting engineers, to work with the engineers of the future who are studying Civil Engineering and Built Environment undergraduate courses at their universities.

“We were delighted to have McLaughlin & Harvey return again this year as one of our supporting partners, pairing up with University of Strathclyde, to construct The Teardrop Viewing Platform over five days on site. The knowledge and experience that Jim Harkness and his team have has enriched the overall learning experience of the participating students and ensured that by giving a context to the students studies.”

Paul Griffen , Managing Director of McLaughlin & Harvey, added:

“It was a privilege to be able to visit the campus and see the project. The students completed their projects safely, on time and budget, with a good level of quality maintained throughout the final structure – all crucial skills that we look for when recruiting talent into our business.”

ConStructED Scotland delivers experiential learning to over 200 students and 10 universities and colleges annually.