Supported through the Scottish Government’s No One left Behind Employability Funding, the Access To Trades initiative will provide a pathway for young people up to the age of 29 years to progress on to the CITB’s Scottish Academy for Construction Opportunities (SACO) Programme.

Councillor Ken Gowans, chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: “I am delighted that our Employability Service and the CITB have collaborated to develop this important new initiative to create pathways for young people who wish to work within the construction sector – an area where these is a considerable skills shortage.

“I am sure there will be many young people who are interested in a career within the industry but who may have experienced barriers such as lack of funding, lack of suitable qualification and low confidence. Access to Trades will provide the skills, qualification and equipment required for their entry into the construction sector and support them into sustainable employment.”

The CITB have appointed Barnardo’s Works to deliver this initiative on their behalf and drawing on their specialist knowledge, they will provide a tailored person-centred programme to support young people.

Ian Hughes, CITB engagement director for Scotland, added: “With a demand in Scotland for almost 20,000 additional workers by 2027, it’s essential that we focus efforts on creating a strong people pipeline in construction. We cannot underestimate the challenge industry faces, which is why we are prioritising training that provides the skills to build the schools, roads, and infrastructure the country needs.

“Access to Trades will play an instrumental role in this. It’s a fantastic initiative that CITB is delighted to support and work with Highland Council and Barnardo’s Works on. It presents a brilliant opportunity for young people who may have otherwise struggled to get into the industry. With guidance and support on navigating the workplace, this can be the crucial stepping stone needed for many young people to get into employment and do something they love.”

Using their expertise with both delivery of employability training and their experience and contacts within the construction industry Barnardo’s Works will:

• Prepare young people for employment through delivery of SQA accredited training in both the skills, behaviours and attitudes for work and how to manage finances once they start employment.
• Prepare young people for their CSCS on screen test and support them to achieve their one-day Health & Safety in a Construction Environment.
• Provide valuable insights into working life in construction through employer visits, talks and activities.
• Provide an Individual Training Allowance of £65 per week * subject to eligibility criteria.
• Provide a basic kit of PPE ready for the workplace.
• Offer all young people attending the programme daily the chance to gain some valuable work experience.
• Mentor both the young person and the employer for the first six months of employment, this is the most crucial time and Barnardo’s Works have found that by doing this the young person is most likely to remain in employment.

In the past 15 months Barnardo’s Works have focussed on supporting people into construction using these methods and to date have a 97% success rate of those young people entering employment in construction and sustaining this at the six month and beyond point.