A construction programme aimed at widening access to careers in Scotland's construction industry has already supported more than 100 participants, with dozens progressing into employment, apprenticeships and further training.

The initiative, Scottish Pathways to Construction, was launched in October 2024 following a successful application to CITB's Industry Impact Fund. Developed by Balfour Beatty in collaboration with Capital City Partnership, the programme focuses on wellbeing, inclusion and sustainable employment outcomes, helping underrepresented groups access careers in construction.

To date, 105 candidates have completed the programme, with 57 securing employment or starting an apprenticeship. A further 19 participants have progressed into advanced training or further education at college.

The programme specifically targeted refugees and migrants, people from ethnic minority communities, women entering the construction industry, disabled people, unemployed and underemployed individuals, as well as social enterprises and local SMEs.

Participants took part in industry insight events, careers awareness sessions, training programmes and work placements designed to build confidence, improve employability skills and provide valuable hands-on 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.

Beyond supporting individuals into employment, the programme has also helped address workforce shortages across the sector while promoting greater equity, diversity and inclusion.

Since the programme’s conclusion this month (October 2026), it leaves a proven framework that can be replicated and adopted more widely across Scotland. Combining central coordination with local flexibility, it has demonstrated an effective approach to widening access to construction careers and supporting a more diverse and 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.”