McLaughlin & Harvey supported the scheme for the second year running, welcoming Emma Keeper and Ben Skea for summer placements. The programme offers young people practical workplace experience, the chance to develop new skills and an opportunity to explore potential career paths.

Emma, from Taylor High School in Motherwell, joined the company's Design Management team, while Ben, from Bellshill Academy, spent his placement with the Environmental team.

Emma gained an introduction to Design Management by attending meetings, learning about different career routes, using new software and reviewing live projects. Site visits were a standout. Emma said: "Being on site was by far my favourite part of my placement because I have never experienced something like that before. It was great to see in person a project that people had been talking about and I loved getting to know what being on site was like."

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She experienced professional working life for the first time and grew more confident engaging with colleagues across the business. Aspiring to become an architect, she is now also open to exploring opportunities in Design Management.

Ben's placement involved delivering toolbox talks, completing courses through the Supply Chain Sustainability School and reviewing audits from previous site visits.

Like Emma, getting onto site was a highlight for Ben. The experience helped him develop his communication skills and confidence, and he would now consider a career in construction.

"I would enjoy this type of career now because of this opportunity," he said.

Both students strongly recommend the Summer Placement Programme, describing it as a valuable option for those still deciding on a future path. McLaughlin & Harvey said they hope the time spent with the business has offered meaningful insight into the construction sector and will help shape Emma and Ben's next steps.