Senior pupils from Ardrossan Academy and Kilwinning Academy are gaining practical construction experience through a programme linked to the new Ardrossan Community Campus.

Construction partner Morgan Sindall Construction has launched its Introduction to Construction Programme to give young people an insight into careers across the sector.

Over 10 months, pupils will join activities, workshops and site visits alongside Morgan Sindall's project team and supply chain partners as work on the campus progresses.

Ten pupils from Ardrossan Academy and eight from Kilwinning Academy have signed up, with further recruitment under way. The programme offers experience of construction management and different trades, with a focus on health and safety, design and project delivery.

Pupils have already visited the project for an induction and taken part in engineering-focused sessions.

The campus is a major investment in North Ayrshire's education and community infrastructure. Alongside modern learning and community facilities, the project is providing local opportunities through apprenticeships, training, community engagement and work experience.

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Councillor Eleanor Collier, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, said: "This is a great initiative and will be a wonderful learning experience for the pupils. A huge thanks to Morgan Sindall and their partners for organising and their continued support. The new Campus is progressing really well but it's much more than a new building. It's about investing in the future and creating opportunities for local people. This work experience programme gives young people a fantastic opportunity to see first-hand how a major construction project is delivered, while learning from industry professionals and developing skills that could support future careers. Importantly, it helps these young people feel part of the journey of creating this exciting new campus. They can see the development taking shape, understand the work involved and take pride in knowing they have played a role in a project that will serve the community for generations to come."

Rachael Topping, Learning and Development Adviser at Morgan Sindall Construction Scotland, said: "Giving young people the opportunity to connect with industry is so important, and this programme allows us to do just that – sharing our advice and expertise with pupils from Ardrossan Academy and Kilwinning Academy as they take their first steps towards exploring a career in construction.

"Over the coming months, we're looking forward to showing them the breadth of roles our industry has to offer, from engineering and site management to design and project delivery. We'll also support them with any next steps they wish to take, including sessions on CV writing and interview skills, so they feel confident and prepared.

"None of this would be possible without the support of our supply chain, and we're incredibly grateful to them for helping bring this programme to life. Their involvement means these pupils are learning from a wide range of professionals, giving them a genuinely rounded insight into what a future in construction could look like."