A construction recruitment programme aimed at widening access to careers in Scotland has already supported more than 100 participants, with dozens progressing into employment, apprenticeships and further training
The recruitment programme, Scottish Pathways to Construction, was launched in October 2024 following a successful application to CITB’s Industry Impact Fund.
Developed by Balfour Beatty in collaboration with Capital City Partnership, the programme focuses on wellbeing, inclusion and sustainable employment outcomes, helping underrepresented groups access careers in construction.
Ian Hughes, CITB engagement director for Scotland, said: “The Industry Impact Fund is designed to support projects that tackle industry-wide challenges and deliver lasting benefits for construction.
“Scottish Pathways to Construction has done exactly that, helping underrepresented groups access careers in the sector while creating a proven model that can be adopted more widely across Scotland to support future workforce needs.”
Widening diversity in the Scottish construction industry
To date, 105 candidates have completed the programme, with 57 securing employment or starting an apprenticeship. A further 19 participants have progressed into advanced training or further education at college.
The construction recruitment programme specifically targeted refugees and migrants, people from ethnic minority communities, women entering the construction industry, disabled people, unemployed and underemployed individuals, as well as social enterprises and local SMEs.
Participants took part in industry insight events, careers awareness sessions, training programmes, and work placements designed to build confidence, improve employability skills, and provide valuable hands-on experience in construction careers.
Specific construction training widens access to careers
Beyond supporting individuals into employment, the programme has also helped address workforce shortages across the sector while promoting greater equity, diversity and inclusion.
Since the programme’s conclusion this month, it has left a proven framework that can be replicated and adopted more widely across Scotland.
By combining central coordination with local flexibility, it has shown an effective way to widen access to construction careers and support a more diverse and sustainable workforce.
