Student Spotlight - Vikki Cuthbert
The construction industry is one of the most diverse and interesting fields to work in, with careers available in ➡️ architectural technology; construction management; quantity surveying; and facility management. If you aspire to enter the construction industry at a supervisory level, the HNC Construction Management will give you the knowledge and skills to achieve this. We chatted to one of our current students ⬇️
Can you introduce yourself?
Vikki Cuthbert from Abernethy, Perth.
What course are you studying at UHI Perth?
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
After searching online, I stumbled across the perfect course description based here in Perth.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
I currently work as an office administrator, which is a part time role suited to a busy family life.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I am 43 and wanted to return to a career in construction after being away from it for almost twenty years. I was a trainee Building Control Officer after leaving school and after trying various jobs in life I realised it was indeed my passion and I wanted to go back. This was quite a daunting thought but after an informal chat with my lecturer I was reassured it was right for me.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
I love being able to take part in practical lessons such as surveying out on the field at campus - this really brings the learning to real life.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
I’ve been thrilled with the assessment marks I’m achieving, which I never thought possible.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
During the course, we have had some site visits like the construction of the CTLR section of Perth’s A9 courtesy of Bam Construct UK and the Perth’s new High School courtesy of Robertson Construction. Fascinating and great experience.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
I have had a lot of support and most of all encouragement from my lecturer, Daniel, and it’s been the key factor of regaining confidence and preparing me for the workplace.
“Our students come from all backgrounds; some with many years of construction experience behind, others fresh from the classrooms of the secondary schools, whilst others are being forced to find new careers later in life.
This course is designed so that it is accessible to anyone with either basic construction experience or the academic skills required to cope with the demands of the course.
Every one of them will have meta-skills that, if properly identified and directed, can help them successfully complete the course and progress onto a degree programme or find related employment.
It was all Vikki's hard work that came through in the end, all I did was to remind her of her strengths.” – Daniel Kiraly, Built Environment Lecturer
What is next for you?
Daniel has made me aware of a fantastic opportunity which could lead me into the second year of a degree in Civil and Environmental engineering which I could not have ever imagined was even an option, but I am now considering. It’s been lifechanging.
We asked Vikki’s lecturer, Daniel Kiraly, what advice he would offer to anyone looking to return to education and do the HNC Construction Management course who may be nervous or unsure if they can do it.
When studying in primary and/or secondary school at a young age, things are a lot different. As a mature or returning student, some with an absence of 30 and even 40 years, the perspective changes. All our students have clear set goals and education is a lot more fun when you get to exchange your ideas and experience with people of similar age.
The motivation to succeed is a huge asset that can help anyone during their studies, no matter the discipline they go into.
My advice is to just do it as you will not regret the experience and can lead to positive changes in your life.
All the support you will need to succeed is provided by the lecturing team as well as your peers (classmates).
Please get in touch with me if you wish to discuss things further or if you have any queries. 📧 Daniel.kirlay.perth@uhi.ac.uk
