13 March 2025
Robertson and Edinburgh College partner to build futures
Robertson Group and Edinburgh College have been working together to provide students with hands-on experience and development opportunities, bridging the gap between the classroom and the world of work.
Image left to right:
BACK: Iris Aitchison, Curriculum Team Manager for Professional Learning, Edinburgh College; Liam Conway, Business Development Manager, Edinburgh College; Caitlin Whitson, Student Vice President, Edinburgh College; Adam Lowe, Student President, Edinburgh College; Al Wilson, Students’ Association Director, Edinburgh College; Laura Wilson, Social Impact Manager, Robertson Construction Central East; and David McAlister, Social Impact Manager, Urban Union.
FRONT: Michael Jeffrey, Vice Principal, Edinburgh College; David Cairns, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central East; and Neil McKay, Managing Director, Urban Union.
This partnership has been strengthened with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Urban Union and Robertson Construction Central East, both part of Robertson Group, will partner with Edinburgh College to implement the MOU. The focus of the agreement is to widen access to careers in construction, provide work experience and make sure that training and education aligns with industry needs.
While the MOU mainly supports built environment students, it will also create opportunities across other faculties. Students in fields such as business, IT, design and sustainability will be supported to explore career paths that contribute to the built environment beyond traditional construction roles.
Across Edinburgh, regeneration specialist Urban Union is leading several large-scale housing developments and Robertson Construction Central East is delivering many high-quality projects. It is expected that students will have the opportunity to attend these sites, including visits and gaining practical work experience to potentially securing employment.
Activities included in the MOU range from career talks and employability programmes to guest presentations. Tailored support will be offered to students who face extra challenges finding work while leadership development programmes focusing on females and other under-represented groups within the construction industry will be explored.
The MOU between Robertson and Edinburgh College follows on from the successful MOU between Urban Union and City of Glasgow College last year, which saw 19 students take part in work placements, with three students gaining full-time employment.
Neil McKay, Managing Director, Urban Union, said: “Building on the success of our partnership in Glasgow, it’s fantastic to now deliver these opportunities to Edinburgh College students. Together with the college, a diverse range of initiatives will be undertaken to benefit students beyond their studies and help them to kickstart a rewarding career.”
David Cairns, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central East, added: “With many live projects across Edinburgh, we hope to provide as many meaningful opportunities as possible to help bridge the gap between education and the live working environment.
“This partnership with Edinburgh College further highlights our commitment to delivering social and economic benefits locally, and we look forward to seeing students gain valuable experience and thrive as a result.”
Michael Jeffrey, Vice Principal: Corporate Development at Edinburgh College, said: “We are delighted to have signed this MOU with Urban Union and Robertson Construction Central East to provide our students with tailored support as they build their career in this vital industry. As one of Scotland’s largest colleges, it is incumbent on us to continue our strong record of providing the construction sector with the skilled workforce it requires, as well as ensuring it is accessible to all – and this new partnership aligns with that goal.”
