Scotland
UK
Ireland
London
A programme to widen access to careers in Scotland's construction sector has supported more than 100 people, with many progressing into jobs, apprenticeships and further learning.
Scottish Pathways to Construction launched in October 2024 after a successful bid to CITB's Industry Impact Fund. Developed by Balfour Beatty in partnership with Capital City Partnership, it prioritised wellbeing, inclusion and sustainable employment to help underrepresented groups enter the industry.
So far, 105 candidates have completed the programme, with 57 moving into employment or starting an apprenticeship. A further 19 have advanced to higher-level training or college education.
The initiative focused on refugees and migrants, people from ethnic minority communities, women entering construction, disabled people, and unemployed and underemployed individuals. It also worked with social enterprises and local SMEs.
Participants attended industry insight events, careers awareness sessions, structured training and work placements to build confidence, strengthen employability and gain hands-on experience of construction roles.
Training included:
- CSCS preparation and testing
- Health and Safety Awareness
- Vehicle banksman training
- Working at height
- Manual handling
- Fire awareness
- Abrasive wheels
- Employability and career development support.
Beyond individual outcomes, the programme helped ease workforce shortages and promote equity, diversity and inclusion across the sector.
Since concluding this month (October 2026), the programme leaves a proven framework that can be replicated more widely across Scotland. Combining central coordination with local flexibility, it offers an effective way to broaden access and build a more diverse, sustainable workforce.
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."
