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Construction and the built environment

Amazing projects and builds

We all love a bit of renovation, don't we? Check out these examples of inspiring build projects.

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Orkney house on Scotland's Home of the Year (video)

Have a look round this house, made from converted stables, with three design and architecture experts.

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The Moxy Hotel, Edinburgh – made with innovative timber (video)

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is the next big thing! Go behind the scenes as Built Environment – Smarter Transformation use CLT to build Edinburgh's new Moxy Hotel.

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These houses were built in a few weeks (video)

These kit houses, shown on Grand Designs, were built in a factory and assembled on site in just five weeks, instead of a year!

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Tunnel finished on Scotland's biggest sewer (video)

Aside from the obvious, do you know what goes on down the drains? Check out how a giant state-of-the-art tunnel boring machine was constructed in Glasgow.

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Making a Passivhaus (video)

Passivhaus is a low-energy building standard. This clip explains how construction firms are using it to make their projects greener.

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Integra House: a passive house (video)

Hear from Professor Gokay Deveci, Architect of Integra House. He shows you around the new build and explains why it's energy-efficient and sustainable.

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Construction Scotland – exciting projects we've done (video)

Scotland has some of the most impressive buildings and structures in Europe. Let's remind ourself of the cool construction projects that have taken place in our country.

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Build Your Future – competition

Are you in S2? Check out this construction challenge and perhaps you and your classmates could be off to the grand final.

What it's like doing our jobs

Find out what we do in our jobs and why we enjoy them.

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A Day in the Life of an Architect (UK)

One of best things about being an architect is not experiencing the same day twice. A professional architect shares their day here.

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A week in the life of a housing project manager

James talks us through a busy week of arranging accommodation for NHS workers, preparing to sell off some land, hiring consultants – and dealing with a burst water main.

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A day in the life of an architect (USA) (video)

Follow a typical day in the life of an architect from 30 x 40 Design Studio. If you're thinking about a career in architecture, you'll learn a thing or two from this in-depth video diary.

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Construction and the built environment – industry page (video)

Construction is one of the country's biggest and most varied sectors. Get an overview of the sector and how you could break into it.

Insta and TikTok videos

Big fan of social media? Explore some of these Tiktok and Instagram videos about the construction and built environment industries.

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You can't be what you can't see - Women in Construction (Instagram video)

Women in construction roles giving demos of drones, stonemasonry and other construction crafts.

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Drones in Construction in school (Instagram video)

Watch pupils trying out drones at Our Lady's High School, Cumbernauld.

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Advice on applying for construction jobs (Instagram video)

Are you looking to get into the construction industry? Get some top tips and advice from an apprentice at Balfour Beatty.

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HNC in Construction Management – what it's like (Instagram video)

Get more details about an HNC in Construction Management from George Brown, who lectures in the subject at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

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What's a site briefing and how does it work? (Instagram video)

It's one of the 'golden rules' of the construction industry – but what does a site briefing involve?

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Restoring Edinburgh Botanic Garden's palm houses (Instagram video)

Are you a nature lover? Check out how Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Gardens were restored.

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Meet Ciara, Scottish Water apprentice (Instagram video)

"Every day is different and there's always something new to learn." Ciara tells you why an Engineering Graduate Apprenticeship at Scottish Water has been the perfect way to start her career.

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John’s work as a carpenter (Instagram video)

Learn more about John’s work as a carpenter, or joiner, on the Isle of Lewis.

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Why I love being a landscape architect (Instagram video)

Lexvi shares what she loves about being a landscape architect in Scotland.

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A day in the life of an architecture student (TikTok video)

Thinking of studying to become an architect? Get an inside look at Leena's day as an architecture student in Glasgow.

Jobs and job profiles

See what careers you could build in this sector!

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Construction manager – what's it like? (job profile video)

Direct operations on construction projects and help implement sustainable building practices. You'd make sure work is completed safely, on time and within budget.

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Surveyor – what's it like? (job profile)

Help shape the world around you as you work in construction, property or environmental roles.

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Naval architect – what's it like? (job profile)

Design, build and repair vessels such as ships and boats, and offshore structures such as drilling platforms.

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Drilling engineer – what's it like? (job profile)

Construct wells to extract oil and gas which are effective, safe for people to operate and do not pollute the environment.

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Landscaper – what's it like? (job profile)

Construct, plant and look after gardens and parks. You'll help the environment while giving people a pleasant place to live, work and relax in.

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Architect – what's it like? (job profile video)

Design new buildings and restore old ones. You'll give people attractive, energy-efficient and safe places to live and work.

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Scottish Water – all the different roles you could do

A lot of work goes into that water that flows from our taps. In fact, there are more water-based roles than you'd think. Check out the range of jobs you could get into at Scottish Water.

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All job roles in construction – A to Z

Your complete guide to careers in construction. See which one suits you best!

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Scottish Water – interactive careers map

Look behind the scenes at Scottish Water's headquarters. Each point on the map is represented by a cool career they offer.

Apprenticeships

Get inspired with these apprenticeships in construction, architecture, water and more!

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Construction Foundation Apprenticeship – what's it like?

Construct your career from an early age! Learn where a Construction Foundation Apprenticeship can take you.

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Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship – what's it like?

Think you can bring ideas to life? Discover how an Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship will help you lay the building blocks for your future career.

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Civil Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship – what's it like?

Want to get civil engineering experience while you're still at school? See how a Civil Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship can kickstart your career in the industry.

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Water Industry Modern Apprenticeship – what's it like?

On average, each person in Scotland uses 180 litres of water per day. Do a Water Industry Modern Apprenticeship and you'll work to keep water flowing to the nation's homes and businesses.

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Construction: Building Modern Apprenticeship – what's it like?

Turn your passion for building into an interesting career. You'll find all the details you need about a Construction: Building Modern Apprenticeship.

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Construction and the Built Environment Graduate Apprenticeship – what's it like?

Earn a wage, gain vital experience and work towards a valuable degree. If you want to work in construction, this Graduate Apprenticeship is the perfect starting point.

Courses in construction and built environment

There are so many courses in construction and the built environment – check them out here!

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Construction courses - what can you study in Scotland?

Search for your perfect learning opportunity, from free short courses to college and uni courses.

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Architecture courses - what can you study in Scotland?

Search for your perfect learning opportunity, from free short courses to college and uni courses.

Survival tips

Could you survive outdoors or on a desert island? Find out what to do!

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How to build a survival shelter

Imagine you were lost in the wilderness – could you make a shelter to keep yourself safe and dry? Use this step-by-step guide to learn how you can build a survival shelter.

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How to find water on a deserted island

Humans need around four litres of water per day to stay hydrated. If you're in the wilderness, it's essential that you're able to locate your nearest water source.