Robertson Group has joined forces with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and Job Centre Plus to offer ten people an introduction to the industry.

The taster session, held at Robertson’s £35 million Stirling Care Village, supports the Build Your Future programme introduced in 2016 by CITB and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help increase access into construction as well as raise industry skill levels.

The group of potential applicants first received a tour of the development, which, once complete, will comprise of two new purpose-built facilities – a Care Hub and a Primary and Urgent Care Centre – to help deliver better co-ordinated care to local people.

They then visited the on-site Training Zone to watch demonstrations of the wide range of skills required within the industry, including bricklaying and mono-blocking, before being given the chance to try their hand at the activities themselves.

Employees of Robertson Central East – the main contractor at Stirling Care Village – were on hand to provide support.

David Cairns, managing director, Robertson Central East, said: “It’s of the highest importance to Robertson to engage with bodies such as Job Centre Plus to make sure the opportunities within the built environment industry are on their radar.

“These sessions are critical in allowing anyone with an interest to identify areas that they would like to pursue while also building an understanding of what the role involves as well as any training and progression opportunities.

“Our support for Build Your Future forms part of a number of wider initiatives and programmes we have in place to ensure the future of the construction industry is safeguarded.”

Ian Hughes, CITB Scotland partnerships director, said: “The Build Your Future campaign is a great example of effective partnership working to help attract more people into exciting and rewarding careers in construction.

“We’re working closely with industry and the DWP to deliver this year’s campaign, having been very encouraged by its success as a pilot last year.

“Along with Robertson’s taster session in Stirling, Build Your Future offers a variety of local events and activities via construction employers throughout the country, such as work placements, employability workshops and mock interviews.

“With over 150 different careers available – from drone operators to landscape architects, BIM managers to traditional stonemasons, there really is a career in construction for everyone. Our GoConstruct website has a host of information for anyone who might be interested.”