National construction firm The JR Group has introduced secondary pupils across West Dunbartonshire to careers in the built environment through its Pathway to Construction programme, with two students securing work experience as a result.

Run in partnership with West Dunbartonshire Council, the initiative aimed to give young people firsthand exposure to the breadth of roles in construction while helping them build the confidence and skills needed to move towards employment.

Around 30 pupils took part, combining industry talks, interactive workshops and practical tasks with interview preparation to offer a realistic view of opportunities across the sector.

JR Group staff showcased pathways ranging from trades and site management to commercial, technical and office-based roles. Participants also worked alongside the company's quantity surveying team, learning how to measure drawings, cost projects and understand how developments progress from plans to delivery.

The programme concluded with mock interviews, after which two participants were selected for work experience with the business.

The successful candidates spent time with the quantity surveying team and visited the live Bank Street project in Alexandria, where JR Group is delivering a sheltered housing development for West Dunbartonshire Council. The scheme is transforming a previously derelict site into 22 one-bedroom apartments, scheduled for completion in 2027.

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Euan McKendrick, Procurement and Communications Manager at The JR Group, said: "One of the biggest challenges facing the construction industry is attracting the next generation of talented people, so it's important that we give young people opportunities to see what a career in construction can really offer.

"Pathway to Construction is about breaking down misconceptions and showing pupils that our industry offers a huge variety of rewarding careers, whether that's on site, in technical disciplines or within professional support roles. By combining practical workshops, interview experience and time on a live construction project, we hope participants leave with greater confidence and a clearer understanding of the opportunities available to them.

"We were delighted to welcome Adam Auchinleck and Kayden Halliday for work experience following the programme. Spending time with our quantity surveying team and visiting live projects gave them valuable insight into the day-to-day realities of the profession, and they approached every opportunity with enthusiasm and professionalism. We hope the experience has inspired them to consider a future career in the industry."

Stephen Knox, Working4U Foundation Apprenticeship Mentor for West Dunbartonshire Council, said: "The JR Group assisted Working4U's Civil Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship students through its Pathway to Construction programme, allowing apprentices to gain invaluable industry knowledge.

"Not only did the students take part in a question-and-answer session with industry experts, but they also had the opportunity to put the knowledge gained during their qualification class sessions into practice through hands-on practical sessions. The knowledge and experience gained from working with The JR Group assisted students in achieving their Level 6 Civil Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship qualification, helping to develop the industry's future workforce."