Project Summary

Challenge

The construction industry continues to face two interconnected challenges: a growing skills shortage and an ongoing lack of workforce diversity. As demand for infrastructure, housing and net zero projects increase, the industry requires a significant influx of new recruits to meet future workforce needs. At the same time, many underrepresented groups remain underrepresented in construction, including women, ethnic minority communities, refugees, disabled people and other priority groups.

Addressing workforce shortages and improving equity, diversity and inclusivity are therefore closely linked. To create a sustainable workforce for the future, the industry must widen its recruitment pool while ensuring workplaces are welcoming, supportive and accessible for a broader range of people.

While many organisations have invested in training and recruitment initiatives, employers often report difficulties attracting diverse candidates and providing the workplace environments needed to support long-term retention. Small and medium-sized businesses can face additional challenges in understanding how to create more inclusive working practices and remove barriers to employment.

Solution

Balfour Beatty partnered with Capital City Partnership to develop a new construction employability model focused on wellbeing, inclusion and sustainable employment outcomes. Delivered across Scotland, the project combined traditional construction training with enhanced support for both jobseekers and employers, creating a more joined-up approach to recruitment, workforce development and inclusive employment practices.

The programme was designed around three key priorities:

• Supporting jobseekers, contractors and supply chains to address skills gaps

• Creating sustainable employment and business growth opportunities

• Promoting progressive procurement and social value outcomes

The model specifically targeted individuals and organisations that are often underrepresented within the sector, including refugees and migrants, ethnic minority communities, women entering construction, disabled people, unemployed and underemployed individuals, social enterprises and local SMEs.

Participants attended industry insight events, career awareness sessions, training programmes and work placements designed to improve employability skills and confidence while providing practical experience of construction careers. 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

Alongside support for individuals, the programme delivered workshops and guidance for employers and supply chain businesses to improve understanding of inclusive recruitment, fair work practices and employee wellbeing. By helping employers better understand the needs of diverse candidates, the project aimed to improve both recruitment outcomes and long-term retention.

A central coordination model ensured consistency across delivery regions while enabling local flexibility to respond to the needs of different communities and construction projects. This created a framework that could be replicated and adopted more widely across Scotland.

Expected Outcomes