The ‘Constructing Your Future’ events were developed, and hosted, by Robertson and Moray Council as part of the ‘Moray Skills Pathway’ initiative; an initiative that encourages collaboration between education and industry to offer curriculum support and practical application for young people.

Pupils took part in four bespoke workshops which gave an in-depth insight in to a specific job or trade within the construction industry including project planning, joinery skills, the use of virtual reality used in ‘Building Information Modelling’ (BIM) and different engineering practices. 

The sessions at Moray College welcomed over 115 pupils from all eight secondary schools across the region. 

Jade O’Hara, regional engagement co-ordinator, Robertson Northern, said: “It’s so encouraging to see that there are so many young people in the Moray area who want to explore a career in the construction industry.

“What we are aiming to do with our commitment to the Moray Skills Pathway is demonstrate that there are a huge variety of roles within the sector.

“The construction sector in Moray is set to grow by 10% over the next five years, and we want to ensure young people are fully informed of the exciting opportunities available and the routes for all approach within the industry.

“Our work with the Moray Skills Pathway is in part of the ongoing commitment that we have with Developing the Young Workforce and our own Young People Strategy - something that we are really passionate about.”

As part of the Moray Skills Pathway, an initiative that forms part of the Moray Council’s Education strategy, Robertson is chairing the Construction Sector group and works alongside the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), Springfield Properties, AES Solar Ltd, Balfour Beatty, Morrison Construction, Moray Council, Breedon Aggregates and Moray College.

Each of these local partners pledged commitment to the young people of Moray, aged 3 – 24 years old, in a scheme that will bring future employment opportunities and continued development to local school children and young people.

The Moray Skills Pathway has identified eight key growth sectors in Moray including; construction, early education and childcare, health and social care, engineering, and food and drink. Every child in the Moray area will have a minimum of four experiences in these fields before making their final subject choices.

Maxine Scott, education support officer at Moray Council, said: “The ‘Constructing your Future’ event is one in a series of sector days to support S3 pupils to make more informed choices about subject choices.

“With it being led by industry it has a real employability message on the broad range of careers available locally, and outlines the fast moving developments for future jobs in the sector.

“The feedback from the pupils has been fantastic and they real value the opportunity to speak to the employers face to face.”