The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie to Tipperty (AWPR/B-T) contractor is to help deliver a new industry education programme by the Prince's Trust.

The 'Get into Civil Engineering' initiative will be delivered by the AWPR Construction Joint Venture, along with Balfour Beatty, Edutrain, Technical Academy Scotland and Elevator.

Cabinet Secretary Keith Brown said the free six-week course, which is taking place between October and November, provides an "excellent opportunity" for young people to get involved in the industry.

"This partnership, a first for the north east, provides an excellent opportunity for around 15 young people to get involved in civil engineering, experience for themselves what life is like in the construction industry and gain valuable knowledge about the civil engineering sector," he said.

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"During the construction phase, the bypass is expected to employ around 1,700 individuals during its peak in the north east, as well as over 100 training and vocational places, which will ensure our young people get valuable opportunities to enter the workplace.

"We can look forward to the full benefits of these works being realised when the road opens in winter 2017."

Lynne Martin, Project Manager for Elevator Projects, added: "The six-week course will include work experience on the AWPR/B-T project and training for the CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) health and safety programme so participants can work on construction sites. They will also take part in workshops and presentations, including civil engineering surveying and dimensional control, quality control and testing of construction materials and road design, construction and maintenance."

(LM)