Construction & Civil Engineering

The construction industry is continuing to grow in response to huge demands for private and social housing, new schools, expanded infrastructure and the rise in the need for trained professionals in this area. Completing a qualification in construction, civil engineering & the built environment gives you the opportunity to build an exciting, fast moving, developing and rewarding career in construction.

As a college, we offer a range of construction courses at a variety of levels, from preparation (Level 4) up to HNC (Level 7) which support you in your career development or prepare you for employment within the construction industry.

We have excellent links with local employers and related organisations to benefit our students by bringing in knowledgeable speakers from construction companies such as Morrison Construction and Bellway, Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Institute of Civil Engineers and many more. Working closely with industry, we organise site visits and work placement opportunities which help build skills and experience, preparing you for opportunities in the work place.

HNC Civil Engineering student Scott Allen talks about his West Lothian College journey here

Careers in Construction and Civil Engineering

A career in construction, civil engineering and built environment is varied and exciting, with a wide range of construction projects happening in Scotland and beyond. Recent large projects include Queensferry Crossing, Aberdeen Bypass and the electrification of the East West rail line. The recent announcement of the City Regional Deal in the Lothians expands opportunities even further with a huge investment in construction and the digital economy.
To be successful in a construction and civil engineering role requires you to be prepared for hands on learning, hardworking and good at working with a team.

In 2018 there were 325,736 construction firms operating in Great Britain with 2732,160 employed in the industry.

On completion of your course you can work in positions such as site joinery, brick laying, plumbing, roofing and dry wall lining with careers in Civil engineering, Built Environment, Building Surveying, Architectural Technology, Construction management and Quantity Surveying.

Previous students have found employment with Barratt Homes and TC Facility Management, or moved on to further study at Heriot-Watt University and Edinburgh Napier University, in subjects such as Construction, Land-based Studies, Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering and Architectural Technology.