Hart build positive partnership with Borders College

Borders College recently held a Construction Employer Engagement event, which saw Edinburgh based construction company Hart Builders invited in to talk to students about developing their employability skills.

Hart Builders employees Gill Henry – Business Development Officer, Alison Lowrie – Community Benefits Officer, Ross Gillan – Labour Production Manager and James Summers – 3rd year apprentice, all took time to speak to students about the importance of developing their skills and increasing their chances of employment within the construction industry.

The visit, which consisted of two hour-long sessions, covered areas such as interview techniques, where students were given tips on how to prepare for and conduct themselves during an interview. Hart staff also spoke to students about the importance of time keeping, understanding instructions and presentation skills – all vital skills required within the industry.

Hart Builders said that they are more than happy to provide work placement opportunities and possible apprenticeships to the students in the near future and invited them to visit their head office to look at a wide range of disciplines set out within their office. The students were also invited to visit a major construction site within the city of Edinburgh – a great opportunity for them to gain an insight in to a large construction site in operation.

The overall visit was a success, with some good engagement and very positive feedback from both the Hart staff and the students.

Gill Henry commented:

“The visit to Borders College was a great success. We spoke to the students about the importance of developing their employability skills, which are vital for them to progress in their careers, and I was very impressed with the positive engagement. We look forward to welcoming the students to our office in Edinburgh and hope that these sessions will become a regular event.”

Curriculum Learning Manager Andy Winwood commented:

“Employer engagement is vital within the College sector and allows both the staff and students to build links with potential employers. The visit from Hart Builders was an excellent session, with the team passing on their knowledge to help further develop the student’s employability skills. The potential for work placement opportunities and apprenticeships within Hart Builders is great news and something we hope to build on.”