Construction employers in Scotland still have time to snap up some of the top future talents in the industry before May 31 deadline.

Out of the 1,000 UK applicants who have applied to the ConstructionSkills Inspire Scholarship scheme only 8% of these are Scottish with 29 applicants from the East of Scotland, 27 from the North and 26 from the West - but so far there is a significant gap in the number of Scottish employers signed up to the scheme.

The Inspire Scholarship is aimed at university applicants for construction courses and matches, the employer with a shortlist of young people looking for support.


Over the 4 year degree courses the employer offers ten weeks of work placement and at the end of their degree the young person is familiar with the business and has the option of a fulltime position with the employer.

ConstructionSkills Inspire Scholarships take all the hassle out of recruitment, and the hands-on experience reduces the need for introductory training.

Graeme Ogilvy, director for ConstructionSkills in Scotland, said: "Sponsoring companies provide up to £4,500 over the course of the degree, which is then matched by Inspire to make a package worth up to £9,000. Employers also have the option to offer more time on placement if they have the capacity.

"To get the best out of the scheme, we recommend that you allow the student to become as involved as possible with regularly reviewed projects and tasks. Regular feedback and reviews will give you the chance to stay involved in their progress."

(GK/JM)