Apprenticeships are a vital component of the Scottish construction industry. This week (3 – 7 March 2025) marks Scottish Apprenticeship Week, and for the Scottish construction industry, the importance of apprenticeships cannot be overstated, with over a third of the 38,000 apprentices in Scotland training in construction.

The Scottish construction industry itself is key to the Scottish Government’s plans for economic transformation over the next ten years, currently employing over 231,000 people and contributing 6% to GDP. The Scottish Government’s Infrastructure Investment Plan to 2026 outlines a multi-billion-pound investment strategy that promises substantial business opportunities for the construction industry. However, the latest Construction Skills Network report by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) highlights a pressing need for an additional 26,100 workers from 2024 to 2028, in line with the projected 2.1% annual growth.

Whilst this presents a great opportunity for the Scottish construction sector, there needs to be a collaborative effort between the Scottish Government, key stakeholders and organisations, such as CITB, to create a skills system that is capable of developing a competent workforce to meet industry demand.

Meeting the needs of apprentices and employers

Apprenticeships offer a pathway for young people to gain practical skills and experience, ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified workers. In the 2024/25 financial year so far, over 5,200 Modern Apprenticeship starts in Scotland were in the construction industry, representing more than a quarter of all Modern Apprenticeship starts.

The Scottish Government’s commitment to education and skills development is evident in the 2025-26 Scottish Budget, which includes over £2 billion in investment for colleges, universities, and skills development programmes. This funding supports around 500,000 people annually in pursuing opportunities to learn and develop their skills, including approximately 40,000 apprentices who earn while they learn. Such investment is crucial in driving economic growth and ensuring a skilled workforce for the future.

Employers’ needs must also be supported too, in order to ensure sustainable growth within the industry. For instance, CITB set up the Employer Networks initiative that offers bespoke, easy-to-access training and financial support for local employers and give employers a direct channel to communicate their training needs and advise on how funding should be prioritised and allocated in their local area.

Supporting the evolving nature of the sector

However, the existing apprenticeship model must be continually evaluated and improved to ensure it meets the evolving needs of both apprentices and employers. CITB’s latest report, ‘Construction Apprenticeships 2025: Challenges. Opportunities. Support’, reveals that achievement rates are dropping. Construction apprenticeship achievement rates remain high in Scotland at more than 72% in 2022/23, but this represents a drop off from 2020/21, when 81% of construction apprentices in Scotland completed their apprenticeship.

While apprenticeships are an important pathway into the construction industry, they are not suitable for everyone. To meet skills shortages, the sector must also focus on retaining employees and making it easier for career changers to enter the industry. This includes offering increased benefits and suitable training for career progression.

For construction employers to have the capacity to offer alternative pathways into construction employment, they also must be supported.

Addressing Scottish construction skills gaps

The Scottish construction industry is poised for growth, but addressing the skills gap is paramount. Apprenticeships play a crucial role in developing a competent workforce, and continued investment in education and skills development is essential.

The Scottish construction industry is lined up for significant growth and transformation over the next decade. Apprenticeships will remain a pivotal part of this growth, providing essential pathways for young people to gain practical skills and experience. The Scottish Government’s substantial investment in education and skills development, coupled with initiatives like CITB’s Employer Networks, strengthens their commitment to building a competent and sustainable workforce.

By addressing the skills gap and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, the Scottish construction industry can effectively meet demand, drive economic growth, and secure a prosperous future for all involved. The collaboration between industry, Government, and CITB will be crucial in achieving these goals and ensuring that Scotland’s construction workforce is well-equipped to build the nation’s future.