Build Your Future was launched by Grampian Construction Training, supported by Mearns & Gill, and this is the third year that the challenge has taken place in the North East, the second year as a digital event.

In the first year, schools took part in initial heats held at colleges, universities, and businesses around the North East, with the winners of each heat taking part in a grand final at Aberdeen Football Club. For the past two years, the event has been organised digitally to remain in line with government restrictions, with teams taking part via video call from their classrooms.

The main aim of Build Your Future is to give S2 pupils the chance to meet individuals within the industry, find out more about the various career paths into the sector, and take part in challenges that help to highlight the huge range of exciting, rewarding career opportunities. The event takes place thanks to Barratt Homes who are the Main Sponsor, supporting sponsors Stewart Milne Group and Glulam Solutions, and with continued support from Developing the Young Workforce.

Representatives from Safety Scotland, K R Group and Robert Gordon University created tasks for the initial heats that related to some of the key issues being discussed at last year’s COP26 conference in Glasgow. The tasks included retrofitting of homes to reduce carbon emissions, identifying the various types of pollution on a building site, and suggestions for the redevelopment of Union Street in Aberdeen.

The winning teams from each heat were Ellon Academy, Meldrum Academy, Ellon Academy, Portlethen Academy, and Harlaw Academy, and these schools will compete in the final, taking place online on Thursday 23rd February. Keir, K R Group and Safety Scotland are providing heats for the last part of this year’s challenge. The schools who come in 1st, 2nd and 3rd place will win £300, £200, and £100 for their schools to spend however they choose.

Michelle Forth, director at Safety Scotland, who administer the running of Grampian Construction Training said: “We are delighted that so many schools have once again taken part in Build Your Future, despite the event being fully digital for a second year. It has been amazing to see the pupils show enthusiasm, teamwork and an excellent understanding of what we thought were some extremely complicated challenges!

“On behalf of the organising committee, I would like to thank every school that took part, and the large number of businesses who have supported this year’s challenge. We can’t wait to see how the teams perform in this year’s final, and we wish every school the very best of luck.”

Kevin Urquhart, construction director of Barratt and David Wilson Homes, said: “There’s no denying that 2022 was another challenging year for students and teachers who once again had to find new ways of learning and working together in difficult circumstances.

“At Barratt and David Wilson Homes we feel that it is more important than ever to give pupils hope of the huge range of career opportunities that are out there, especially within construction. The industry makes a significant contribution towards jobs and the economy, and will continue to provide exciting and inspiring opportunities for young people.”

Clare Scott, employer school coordinator, Developing the Young Workforce, added: “It’s great to see young people getting involved with Build Your Future. The employer-set tasks help them gain a real insight into what a career in construction might involve. By working in groups, they also get to develop those all-important team-building skills. At the close of the challenge one pupil announced that she ‘felt ready for a business meeting’ which was just brilliant.”