It was a proud moment for Rob Leslie, a construction expert with more than 40 years’ industry experience, as he watched his son Peter graduate with a degree in Construction Management from Robert Gordon University (RGU) 15 years ago.
Although he was unaware of it at the time, Rob would, a decade later, go on to become the course leader for the very same Construction Management programme at RGU, as he increasingly started to look to ways of securing the future of the industry through the education and training of young people.
Rob’s relationship with the university began shortly after Peter graduated, providing ad hoc assistance to staff and students and taking on the role of guest lecturer while working as Business Development Director at Robertson Group.
He was appointed as an honorary professor in 2008, then, in 2010, came the offer to look after the Construction Management course.
“I saw it as an opportunity to put something back into the industry,” Rob said. “Moving to lecturing was never a career choice when Peter was at RGU but I am a great believer in fate and timing.
“I was already Chair of CIOB Scotland and was interested in encouraging people to join the construction industry and also make it a career destination of choice for school leavers. The post at RGU seemed to fit that profile.”
He added: “The best bit is seeing young men and women demonstrating the right attitude, working hard and fulfilling their potential. I always encourage the students to participate in the class as it is only by asking questions will they broaden their knowledge.”
Asked if he had actively encouraged his son to go into the construction industry, Rob said: “I was pleased when Peter studied Construction Management as I had enjoyed – and continued to enjoy – my time in construction. I also recognised that there was always a demand for good construction managers, and the skills taught are transferable if he wanted to change career.
“I don’t remember giving any specific advice, only encouragement. If I did, it was to work hard and above all enjoy yourself – everybody can choose the wrong job or employer, the thing is to give it a go and if the experience does not improve, start to look elsewhere.”
For his part, Peter, now uses his project management, estimating and cost-management skills to head up Transport Planning and Engineering, the social enterprise company of Cycling Scotland.
He promotes cycling throughout Scotland and has designed and managed the construction of over 100km of cycle routes from inception to completion for clients.
In addition, Peter advises councils and communities on the benefits, feasibility and design of improving infrastructure to encourage cycling as a mainstream form of transport as well as a recreational activity.
Peter will be back home in Aberdeen this September for Pedal for Scotland and is proud that his father is now leading the course he undertook at RGU.
“I think the students are very fortunate to have someone with 40 years’ experience teaching them,” he said. “As a dad he is an excellent teacher and, knowing his commitment to RGU, the students should be reminded about his experience and the insight he provides is from living it not reading about it.”
Reflecting on his decision to go into the industry, Peter said: “I was someone who was unsure what I wanted to do but the choice of construction management provided me with an all-round discipline.
“It provided a base you can use to build your skills on. Since I have gone back to university to study a Masters degree in Civil Engineering, I can appreciate the information provided at RGU has stood me in good stead.
“Topics such as change management and project management have been useful within my job as well as surveying. The biggest module which has assisted me to diversify from traditional construction management has been AutoCAD.”
He added: “Although maybe not apparent at the time, my dad’s career definitely provided me with an insight into the industry. I was able to understand if you were committed to construction then the industry treated you well. As Dad always informed us – people will always build new things.”