HNC Construction Management placement with BAM UK and Ireland

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.

Here in Perth and Kinross, the Cross Tay Link Road (CLTR) is the biggest infrastructure project ever undertaken by Perth and Kinross Council and involves the construction of a new 3-span bridge over the River Tay and a six kilometre stretch of new carriageway linking the A9 and the A93 to Blairgowrie and the A94, just north of Scone. It also includes the construction of two kilometres of realigned dual carriageway on the A9 just north of the Inveralmond Roundabout. The project aims to improve the local transport network and traffic flow and reduce journey times. It will also enhance pedestrian and cycle safety, increase network capacity as well as significantly reducing traffic congestion and related pollution in Perth city centre.

Our HNC Construction Management students had an amazing opportunity to do a hands-on work placement on the new CLTR with BAM UK and Ireland on behalf of their client, Perth and Kinross Council. We caught up with two of the students to hear all about their experience 👇

Can you give us an overview of what you’ve been doing on your placement? 

Lachlan 🗣️ We’ve been working with BAM UK and Ireland on a work experience placement from UHI Perth. We've been working closely with the engineers, overseeing what they do, looking at different problems that have happened, looking at the structural elements of the design, and working to make sure that the build matches the design and what is meant to be executed in the final process.

Fionn 🗣️ We've been doing some file-handling work on the project management side in the office, and we've had a couple of site visits as well.

What has been your favourite activity from your placement? 

Lachlan 🗣️ I think working with the Civil Engineers. Seeing what they do, and getting out on site with them, has given me aspirations of what I want to achieve and where I want to take my career path in the future.

Fionn 🗣️ Going inside the bridge, that was great. Seeing just the size of it, it's amazing.

What have you learnt during the placement?

Lachlan 🗣️ One of the main things I've learned is how a huge operation like this has been executed - in terms of planning; how they use Microsoft projects; and how they use computer software to make sure that the planning is then implemented.

How have BAM UK and Ireland supported you on your placement?

Fionn 🗣️ They've given us lots of help with the jobs that we're doing. It's not just figure it out yourself, we’ve had a lot of support and instruction from the Site Engineer who has helped us.

Lachlan 🗣️ On our first day, we got technology to take home and work with, which we've used for our studies for the past two months. They've given us a great learning environment where we can come, do research, and have our own desks and our own space.

How has the placement compared to your expectations?

Fionn 🗣️ I didn't really know what to expect to be honest, since I've never been on site before. This is a first for me, I’ve been taken aback by everything that goes on. It's lived up to and exceeded my expectations.

Lachlan 🗣️ I expected to be able to go out on site and just gauge an idea of what really goes on. I didn't really expect to be hands on doing stuff. It is what I expected it to be, but it has solidified what I want to do and where I want to take my life.

If you aspire to enter the construction industry at a supervisory level, our HNC Construction Management course will give you the knowledge and skills to achieve this.

This course is also the ideal stepping-stone into a variety of HND Construction courses and, if you are already working in the industry, you can study by day-release or evening classes.

Applications are currently open for September 2025 places, so #ApplyNow and find your future at UHI Perth.