GRAHAM recently welcomed students from Glasgow Caledonian University’s building services department to Buchanan Wharf, one of Scotland’s largest mixed-use developments, to learn more about careers in construction.
Tours were conducted by lead contractor GRAHAM and facility management operator, ISS Facility Services UK. The team hosted 24 students, who were there to learn how such complex projects evolve from initial concept to reality.
The scheme has been developed by Drum Property Group and students learned how renewable technologies have been incorporated into its design to reduce its carbon footprint.
The GRAHAM team also shared advice on routes into the UK construction industry, which has a requirement for thousands of extra workers by 2027.
Daniel Fleming, building services manager at GRAHAM, said, “Buchanan Wharf is undoubtedly one of the most ambitious regeneration projects ever undertaken in Glasgow. It has completely transformed a quarter mile of former dockland on the south side of the river, harnessing the skills and expertise of hundreds of construction professionals.
“Collaboration with universities is essential to the future of our industry and we want to inspire tomorrow’s workforce by showing them the positive impact they can have on their communities, while also building a hugely rewarding career in construction. We have a great relationship with Glasgow Caledonian University and it was brilliant to give the students a first-hand look at the contribution they can make to the industry.”
Dr Ing Liang Wong, programme leader of the university’s BEng Building Services Engineering, added, “The site visit provided a great opportunity for our building services engineering students to see the practical side of the building services engineering industry, something the students don’t normally get to see in the classroom, which also reflects the strong collaboration our programme has with industrial partners.”
GRAHAM revealed it is committed to supporting pathways into the construction industry through its GRAHAM Academy, which includes a graduate development programme, apprenticeships, work experience, and industrial and undergraduate placements. Over the last year, the contractor has welcomed a record number of new apprentices to its building north division, almost doubling headcount by 18 to 38 in roles including trainee engineers, quantity surveyors, civil engineers, and site managers.
