ARCHITECTURAL technology students from New College Lanarkshire (NCL) have successfully completed work placements across Scotland’s central belt.
In news that bodes well for the sector’s future, 24 students of HNC and HND Computed Aided Architectural Design and Technology (CAADT) at the Motherwell Campus completed weeklong stints at architectural design offices.
Companies involved included Keppie Design, Cooper Cromar, MAST Architects, Sheppard Robson, Mosaic, Collective, Space & Place, A10 Architects, GD Lodge, ICA, Block Architects and 3DReid.
Depending on their area of interest, some students completed work experience with engineering or construction-related firms such as BarkerHicks, Ramboll, Laing O’Rourke, MT Cladding and Wilson Developments, or with interior design companies, such as Claremont Office Furniture and Alpha Scotland.
Deborah Campbell, from Newarthill, completed her work placement with Glasgow-based architects Cooper Cromar. She said, “My placement was fantastic – I think it was the first time that they’d had a HND student for a work placement, and I got to work on one of their live projects.
“They do a lot of hotels and office blocks as well as residential projects. I got to go to a design meeting and it was good to see how everyone works together in a team.”
Architectural Technology and CADD lecturer Vivien Townsley said, “Many of the companies have supported the programme and the course over the years and, through doing so, have built a great rapport with NCL resulting in many students gaining part-time employment at this stage of the course with a view to full-time employment in June when they complete the course.
“Working closely with industry allows the students a proper insight into the job they are training to do, where they get the opportunity to work with a mentor, produce working drawings for live projects, participate in site visits and surveys and, just as importantly, network.”
She added, “Gaining this insight definitely puts the students in an advantageous position, allowing them to make informed choices about the industry in which they wish to work.
“The success of the work experience is thanks to the contacts we have gained in industry over the years, their hard work and commitment to the course, and not to mention the former students currently working in industry who helped make these connections.”
