Ogilvie Construction has formed a partnership with Robert Gordon University (RGU) to provide paid placement schemes for students.

The initiative, which aims to ensure students have extensive practical experience to go alongside their qualification, is seen as a method to help tackle the industry's skills shortage.

Ogilvie is currently hosting Stage 2 Construction Management student Patrycja Linka, who is working on a complex needs school project in Aberdeen.

The University already works with wide variety of companies to provide students with a placement opportunity during their third year, which often leads to longer-term employment.

However, Construction management subject leader at RGU, Rob Leslie, is urging more companies to follow Ogilvie's example and offer placements for future graduates.

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"The construction industry cannot sit back and wait for government initiatives to address the lack of skills it is facing," he said.

"The industry must engage with universities to highlight the opportunities available to students and offering placements early in their course can provide the necessary balance between theory and practice which will result in graduates who can add value to a company immediately."

Iain Loose, Business Development Director at Ogilvie, added: "We are delighted to be working with RGU to take on placement students such as Patrycja who are at an early stage in their studies as we can see the benefits for both the students and the industry.

"Contributing towards the development of a new generation of skilled workers is vital to tackling the skills shortage facing the industry at the moment. Placements assist the student with practical skills and builds on their general knowledge of construction, which in turn aids them with career choices and prospects, enabling them to make informed decisions."

Image: back row from left: Drew Grant - Project Manager, Scott Gardner – Trainee Quantity Surveyor, Alan Shaw - Site Foreman, Bernie McLaughlan - Site Manager, Donald MacKay - Site Manager. Front row from left: Dawn Ewing - Site Administrator, Patrycja Linka - Trainee Site Manager

(LM/MH)