Amid ongoing challenges in skills development—including an ageing workforce, a recognised skills shortage to meet housebuilding targets and retrofit demands, and constraints on affordable housing supply —CCG continues to prioritise investment in people and skills and maintains its commitment to training despite wider economic and industry pressures.

CCG’s award-winning apprenticeship programmes provide young people from the age of sixteen with structured career pathways in multiple trades, including electrical, joinery, plumbing, bricklaying, floorlaying, and heating engineering. 

The group also actively works with Developing Young Workforce (DYW), colleges and local schools to promote careers in construction, offering work-based site placements as well as participating in dedicated STEM career events.

To commemorate CCG’s intake announcement, three of the firm’s 48 apprentices were pictured at a new-build, low-carbon housing site in Newhaven, Edinburgh. 

Calvin (20) from Granton, Innes (20 from Craigleith, and Elliott (20) from Musselburgh, are at varying stages of their respective bricklaying and joinery apprenticeship programmes, and are examples of CCG’s approach to employing apprentices from within the communities where they operate.

David Wylie, managing director of CCG, said: “CCG has long recognised that people are at the heart of our success. As the industry faces critical skills shortages and economic challenges, our focus remains on providing young people with opportunities to build fulfilling careers in construction, and we want to ensure these opportunities are provided at a local level. 

“Our latest apprenticeship intake not only reflects our ongoing investment in the next generation, but it also highlights our commitment to ensuring a diverse and skilled workforce for the future.”

Over 25% of CCG’s 630 employees are under the age of 28, while there is also a commitment to provide traineeships across the extent of the business, including roles in buying, estimating, surveying, site management, and health and safety, which are further enhanced through strategic academic partnerships offering a route to work. 

Harsh Shah (28), undertook a construction management placement with CCG while studying at Heriot-Watt University. He has now worked as an assistant site manager for three years, and credits his placement with giving him the necessary, hands-on experience of the site environment. 

Harsh commented: “My construction management placement allowed me to experience the day-to-day site environment first-hand, and I credit it for giving me the tools to take on my role as assistant site manager. 

“I have greatly enjoyed my time with CCG, working with colleagues who are always on hand to pass on their knowledge and support my development.

“For anyone looking to the construction industry as a future career path, I would say there are many roles available, but you have to find the right balance. I started in civil engineering but wanted more experience in the man-management of the site and now I have a role that is ideally suited to me.”

Despite ongoing supply chain issues and reductions in public sector development, CCG remains steadfast in its efforts to address Scotland’s housing needs. 

Through innovation, investment in skills, and commitment to sustainable construction practices, the company continues to play a leading role in supporting communities and the built environment.