Read former Borders College student Justyna Grabas’ story below:
Justyna did not want to go to college and study a ‘beauty’ course like many of her friends, Justyna had family members with an engineering background and she was keen to use mathematics in her studies, so chose HNC in Construction at Borders College.
This course gave experience in many areas of Construction including measurement and costs in construction, an exciting and challenging field of study that fuelled a passion for further study. Justyna excelled in her studies and achieved a grade A in the HNC Construction graded unit.
The next step for Justyna was to go to Edinburgh Napier University to study Quantity Surveying. After two years of study at University, Justyna decided to take some time off and, through contacts met during College work placements, started volunteering in the workplace as a trainee Quantity Surveyor for Border Construction. About a year after, she’s joined Moore Ross, Chartered Surveyors and Construction Consultants as an Assistant QS.
At this time Justyna was also continuing to give back to the community by volunteering with Boccia, as an Assistant Coach, helping children with additional needs. The volunteering and working in different roles led to her being headhunted by ESH Construction, formerly Border Construction, where she had previously volunteered at.
Whilst employed as a graduate Quantity Surveyor for ESH Construction, Justyna decided to return to complete her studies at Edinburgh Napier University and graduate with a B.Sc. in Quantity Surveying with distinction.
Justyna is now a fully qualified Quantity Surveyor, working for Linn-Tech Scotland, taking responsibility for major construction contracts and projects, commenting:
“I love the job and it does not feel like work”.
She continues to help others through volunteering for Blood Bikes Scotland and would like to inspire young people, particularly girls to find successful pathways in the Construction industry.
Maybe you're interested in studying construction? If so, click here for the list of courses available.