A Scottish Borders Council joint programme to help young and unemployed people gain construction skills has been recognised at a national awards ceremony.

The Construction Sector Work Academy was highly commended at GO Awards Scotland 2018.

The project is delivered through the council, Borders College and JobCentre Plus. It enables people to get their Construction Skills Certification Scheme card and provides work placements through ongoing contracts. This card allows them to access employment opportunities in the construction industry.

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They used Community Benefit clauses attached to a number of construction contracts to provide valuable experience of working on a live construction project.

Councillor Robin Tatler, Executive Member for Finance, said: "This is an ambitious partnership project which has been operating for two years now and has helped a number of young and unemployed people gain work in the construction sector.

"It is also an excellent example of how Community Benefit clauses in our contracts can support the local community, people and economy and I'd like to congratulate all those involved in the project from across the partners."