Young people in North Lanarkshire are getting practical experience in the built environment through a new programme designed to help them progress into sustained education, training or employment.

The inaugural group on North Lanarkshire Council's Pathways Programme has enrolled in the Future Builds Academy, delivered in partnership with The Verdancy Group and Apex Training. Linked to the council's Built Environment Academy and supported by NL Academies, it unites education, training and industry partners to create clear routes into the sector.

The initiative was showcased on Scottish Employability Day, when Education Convener Councillor Michael McBride visited the Blantyre training centre to meet participants and observe the sessions.

Across 15 weeks, learners are working towards The Verdancy Group's SCQF Level 5 Award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit and are set to become the first cohort in Scotland to complete the qualification.

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Participants are also securing industry-recognised certificates in Asbestos Awareness, Working at Height, Abrasive Wheel Safety and Hand Arm Vibration, and gaining hands-on experience in insulation, ventilation, thermography, moisture management and low-carbon technologies.

Councillor McBride said: "It was great to meet the young people and see the training for myself. They're gaining qualifications, growing in confidence and getting a real taste of what a career in this sector could offer.

"Partnerships like this give young people a chance to try something new, discover what they're good at and take that next step towards a positive future."

The Pathways Programme supports young people identified by schools as being at risk of leaving education and moving into a negative post-school destination.

Susan McDonald, Director with The Verdancy Group added: "Scottish Employability Day is a great opportunity to recognise the importance of giving young people real opportunities to build skills, confidence and experience. It's something I'm personally passionate about and a big part of what we want to achieve through The Verdancy Group and Apex Training. I'm proud of this partnership and excited to see where these young people go next."

With the built environment identified as a growth employment sector in North Lanarkshire, the Future Builds Academy offers a supportive way for young people to explore opportunities and move on to positive destinations in further or higher education, training or employment.