A Falkirk graduate has gone from trainee to triumph at the top of his university class, combining a career in housebuilding with a first class honours degree.

Niall McFadden graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a first in Quantity Surveying and received the University Class Award as the best-performing student.

Having begun his studies in 2021, Niall secured a trainee role with Persimmon Homes North Scotland barely a year into his degree. He joined the homebuilder in summer 2022 and balanced his university workload with hands-on duties on active Persimmon developments from Alloa to Aberdeenshire.

His hard work did not go unnoticed. As his studies progressed, Niall was promoted to assistant quantity surveyor in 2024, then to quantity surveyor in January 2026.

Combining academic learning with practical experience has given him the chance to apply his studies to real-world projects while building a career in the construction industry.

Niall said: “I’m really proud to have graduated with a first and to have received the University Class Award. It’s been a great journey balancing university with my career at Persimmon.

“Starting with Persimmon after my first year gave me the opportunity to put what I was learning into practice while gaining valuable industry experience.”

Gillian Baird, Persimmon Homes north Scotland commercial director, said: “I’m incredibly proud of how he has applied himself, both in his work and his studies. He has always been willing to take advice, remained humble and, as a result, has developed enormously. He is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through hard work, natural ability and determination.”