The ‘Constructing Futures’ partnership, between Kier, the school, the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh College and local employability partner RUTS, will cover the full academic year and introduce students to the construction industry.

Fifteen fourth-year students from Currie Community High School and Balerno High School will take part in the programme, giving them the industry accreditations needed to begin a career in the industry and employability skills such as CV preparation and interview techniques.

The site-based programme offers the opportunity to learn in a live working environment, while students will also take part in site visits, attend professional talks and demonstrations, and complete a work experience placement. By the end of the course, they will have achieved a ‘National Progression Award Construction Craft & Technician’ at SCQF Level 4. They will also study for a Health & Safety in a Construction Environment Award and CSCS course.

The NPA Construction Crafts: Technician Award; is delivered by Edinburgh College. The 36-week programme provides students with an insight into the Construction industry delivering training in many different trade areas. Having received training through the many trade skills the young people are far better equipped to make an informed decision on which trade they would like progress to after school, in turn gaining successful employment in the form of an apprenticeship.

Phil McDowell, regional director for Kier Scotland, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain valuable experience in the industry. I hope that the time the pupils spend on our site will inspire careers that will last a lifetime.”

Cllr Joan Griffiths, education convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “I’m delighted that Kier have teamed up with the schools to set up this programme. Projects like this build on the positive work we are already doing, like our own Skills Academy, to encourage young people to consider a career in the construction industry. It reinforces our recent school leaver destination figures which show that more young people than ever before in Edinburgh are successfully leaving school to go into employment, training, personal skills development and higher education.”

Jenny Hutchison, head teacher at Currie High School said “The partnership working with Kier has been outstanding to date and in particular the constructing futures programme has given young people an alternative curriculum pathway that meets their needs and prepares them brilliantly for the future. Every young person involved is gaining invaluable experience on-site to prepare them for a positive destination post-school. Kier and Edinburgh College have been superb in their delivery and support of our young people.”

Edinburgh College vice principal Jonny Pearson, said: “We’re proud to working alongside Kier Construction, Currie Community High School and partners to deliver the Construction Futures programme this academic year. The project will give pupils an insight into the Construction sector and set them on a path to a fulfilling career in this important industry. At Edinburgh College we are committed to supporting the skills needs of our region and this partnership is aimed at supporting young people as they embark on a career in Construction.”

Alison Nimmo, chief operating officer for RUTS Ltd, said: “RUTS are delighted to be part of this partnership supporting young people to develop a career pathway in the construction sector.”