Ross Hammell, 44, from Moodiesburn, is corporate and social responsibility manager at McTaggart Group. As part of his role, he works closely with colleges across the country – including his old college, now Glasgow Kelvin – to help identify and support the next generation of talent coming into the construction industry.

Speaking following the third National Opportunity Day, an initiative led by Glasgow Kelvin College to celebrate the many routes into work and further study, Hammell said there’s never been a better time for young people to explore their options. Glasgow Kelvin College will hold its Open Day this Thursday, August 14, where potential students will be able to hear first hand about the paths available to them.

Hammell said: “It’s not just about what you learn in a classroom, it’s about how you use that knowledge to build your own path. We see it time and again, the young people who’ve thought about their future, taken on extra experience, or found ways to stand out – they’re the ones who get noticed. It’s about attitude as much as ability.”

Hammell’s own journey took unexpected twists along the way. He left school at 17 and began his career as an apprentice plasterer, training at Springburn College – now Glasgow Kelvin. Since then, he’s worked in community development, social housing, and skills programmes before moving into construction and community benefit roles. He now supports hundreds of students annually across McTaggart’s sites, and says he’s a strong believer in colleges as engines of opportunity.

He added: “College was where it all started for me. I’ve been back three times in different roles – as a student, a partner, and an employer. It’s absolutely vital that the private sector works hand-in-hand with colleges to develop talent. 

“We’re now shaping vocational courses directly, adapting programmes to meet our needs and creating tailored pathways that set young people up for real jobs. That kind of collaboration is only becoming more important.”

One of those success stories is Liam Cox, 20, from North Lanarkshire, who left school at 16 to start a construction apprenticeship – but quickly realised it wasn’t quite right for him. He enrolled full-time in an HNC in Civil Engineering at Glasgow Kelvin College, then discovered a Graduate Apprenticeship in Quantity Surveying with McTaggart Group and Glasgow Caledonian University.

He beat 75 other applicants to land the place and now works four days a week on live multi-million pound projects, and spends one day at university working on academic qualifications.

Liam said: “I thought I knew what I wanted, but being on the tools just wasn’t for me. I still wanted to work in construction, so I started looking at other ways in. I saw the job advertised and just went for it. Now I’m getting experience and a degree at the same time. It’s tough – juggling both – but I’ve learned more than I ever expected.

“My advice to any young person is don’t rush into something just because you feel you have to. If it doesn’t work out, that’s not the end of the road. You can always change direction.”

Hammell believes it’s this kind of initiative and adaptability that sets candidates apart. He said: “When you’re reviewing hundreds of applications, you can spot those who’ve really thought about their route. Liam had the grades, the experience, and the attitude. He knew where he wanted to go – and had already taken the steps to get there.”

With the construction industry facing a major skills shortage – including in areas like renewable energy and quantity surveying – Hammell believes colleges are essential to building the workforce of the future.

He added: “We’re already seeing change. Graduate Apprenticeships used to be rare – now we have four running, and growing. Colleges like Kelvin are tapping into school-leavers earlier than ever. Some pupils are doing HNCs before they’ve even sat their Highers.

“That pipeline is vital. Not everyone is the ‘finished product’ at 18. Sometimes we need to help shape that. It’s about giving people the tools – then backing them to succeed.”

Robin Ashton, vice principal of Curriculum and Quality at Glasgow Kelvin College, has outlined practical tips to help you make the most of your opportunities.

Ashton said: “Colleges are here to help every learner find their path. Exam results are important, but they’re just one moment. What matters is using that moment to explore the possibilities and take the next step.”

McTaggart Group currently employs 172 staff, with its projects supporting over 1,700 jobs across Scotland – many of them in affordable housing developments.

For more information about National Opportunity Day or to explore your next steps in construction or college, visit www.glasgowkelvin.ac.uk. Glasgow Kelvin College’s Open Day will be held on Thursday, August 14.