A Professional Career in the Built Environment

If your ambition is to build a career in construction, we can offer you a solid foundation in whichever technician or management area interests you.

All of our courses are industry approved and offer varied career opportunities at every level, from access courses through to HNCs and HNDs.

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In our new guide you’ll find all the information you need to make an informed decision about a career in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Interior Design, Architectural Technology, or Civil Engineering.

It also contains information on our School College Partnership offering and commercial training opportunities.

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Built Environment is a relatively new way of describing the design, construction, and management of manmade structures.

The Built Environment sector includes the traditional areas of Construction Craft and Building Services, as well as Technical Construction, Furniture, and Interior Design.

The overall process of design to occupancy is being managed by Building Information Modelling (BIM), and Fife College is committed to educating our learners in this process.

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Career options

Scotland’s construction industry is set for growth in most sectors over the next five years, according to the latest forecast from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). This is an incredibly exciting time to be involved in the Scottish construction sector.

Not only has the last few years seen infrastructure grow at an accelerated level due to several major projects, such as the Queensferry Crossing, but now the CITB is forecasting more growth in the sector over the next five years.

The construction sector is vital in order for us to build a better future. Some of the most important roles in construction are technical.

There are many exciting careers available in the industry:

• Quantity surveyor
• Estimator
• 3D designer
• Interior designer
• Retail display designer
• Space planner
• CAS technician/assistant
• Architectural technician/technologist
• Building standards technician
• Revit/CAD technician
• Civil engineer technician
• Setting out engineer
• Site agent
• Construction manger
• Assistant site manager

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Take your first step towards a Construction degree with Fife College

An HNC is the same level as the first year of a university degree, and an HND is the same level as the second year.

Studying for your HNC and HND in technical construction at Fife College not only allows you to potentially enter a relevant university degree in year 2 or 3 with one of our partner universities, it also provides you with valuable hands-on experience and technical knowledge of the industry.

• Beginning your degree at college can be cheaper than going straight to university, saving you money on living away from home
• Studying your first one or two years of a degree at college gives you more flexibility, as you finish each year with a recognised qualification. So if a job opportunity comes up you can return to study the rest of your degree at a later date with qualifications already in the bag!
• Class sizes at college tend to be smaller and provide a bit more personal support

Starting your degree at college gives you options and allows you to take the path that is most suitable for you.

So if you want study for your degree but are concerned about time, costs, choosing the wrong discipline, or committing to four years of continuous study, why not keep it local and start your studies at college?

Our Built Environment courses have agreed progression routes to the following universities:

• Abertay University
• Edinburgh Napier University
• Heriot-Watt University
• Robert Gordon University

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Not everyone is able to commit to full-time study. If you’ve got a busy life, with family and work commitments, it’s not easy to find the time.

That's why we offer a range of part-time courses to help you learn something new and get the skills you need for the job you want.

You can study the following part-time with us:

• HNC: Architectural Technology
• HNC: Civil Engineering
• HNC: Construction Management
• HNC: Quantity Surveying
• Our on the job training options

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“I’ve always had a passion for interior design. So, when I had my kids, I thought why not go back to study and pursue it as a career?"

Meet Susan, studying for a career in Interior Design.

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We’ve got industry approved courses that meet the demands of today’s construction and furniture industries.

We can help you get the essential technical skills, knowledge and understanding you need to make a start in your chosen career, or progress your career from your existing job.

From plumbing and electrical services to furniture making, you'll find the course for you.

apply now