McLaughlin & Harvey, working in partnership with North Lanarkshire Council (NLC), has successfully delivered its 2025 Summer Placement Programme. It offers students an invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience and explore career pathways within the construction industry.

The initiative forms part of McLaughlin & Harvey’s ongoing commitment to investing in future talent. Over the course of the summer, students were placed across a range of departments, including Environmental and Sustainability, Commercial, Planning, and Site Engineering & Geomatics. The placements combined hands-on site visits with office-based work, giving participants a well-rounded understanding of the industry.

Students fed back that they gained greater clarity about their future options. Several highlighted that the programme enhanced their interest in construction careers such as Quantity Surveying and Site Management, while others valued the chance to explore new areas they had not previously considered.

I especially enjoyed the various site visits. It was an incredible experience to be on a live construction site during both the preconstruction and active phases. This placement gave me real insight into what a Site Engineer does, understanding everyday challenges and how to solve them collaboratively. It gave me a taste of responsibility and being part of a working team.

Ebunoluwasimi Abijo
Student

Mentors across the business praised the students for their enthusiasm, adaptability, and willingness to learn. They also emphasised the value of the programme for employees, who benefit from mentoring opportunities and the chance to inspire young professionals at the start of their career journeys.

Although the students are young and still considering their career paths, the placements can give them a bit of direction.

Monika Wojda
Group Environmental Manager, McLaughlin & Harvey

The summer placement programme is important as it allows young individuals to get a taster within the construction industry. They can find out more about the different career paths available to them.

Bruce Cunningham
Quantity Surveyor, McLaughlin & Harvey

At McLaughlin & Harvey, we believe in nurturing future talent and creating opportunities for young people to explore the construction industry in a meaningful, hands-on way. From office-based roles to dynamic site experiences, the Summer Placement Programme offers students exposure to a working environment. It allows them to make informed decisions about their career paths.

It was our pleasure to collaborate again with NLC on the programme which aims to introduce young people from North Lanarkshire to the world of work and empower them as the next generation of the workforce.

We are proud to support young people as they explore their future careers. The Summer Placement Programme not only gives students a genuine insight into construction. It also highlights the breadth of opportunities available within our industry. Partnering with North Lanarkshire Council once again has allowed us to reach and inspire local talent.

Martin Smith, Director
McLaughlin & Harvey and Member of the North Lanarkshire Built Environment Sector Board

A huge thank you to all our placement students. We wish you the very best in your future journeys ahead.