In the first quarter of 2015, Robertson Group engaged with more than 3,000 young people across Scotland in a range of specially designed activities and events aimed at inspiring the next generation of construction workers.

Since the start of 2015, 3,107 children and young people from schools, colleges and universities across Scotland undertook site visits, work placements, graduate opportunities and training programmes at Robertson sites including Glasgow Caledonian University, Brechin Academy and Inverurie Care Village.

As well as educating young people about the construction projects being undertaken in their local area, these events also help to address the skills shortage in Scotland by offering students the chance to learn about the variety of job opportunities that exist across the built sector.

Tom Scally, maths teacher at Trinity High School, said visiting a construction site and then the completed building was an excellent way for pupils to engage with the process.

He said: “Our S3 pupils have visited the Rutherglen Links Building twice now and were amazed at the transformation since our visit in June last year. It has given them a new perspective on the timescale and processes involved in engineering projects as well as how we can use theoretical maths from the classroom to provide practical solutions to real-life problems.”

Ross Tervit, a pupil at Trinity High School who attended both visits, was also impressed by the experience.

“I think the trip was very good and interesting. It was hard to envisage what the finished building would look like when we first visited last year and I would love to go back after all the offices are built in the new building. It was good to learn all about the different trades involved and meet students who are studying engineering and have placements with Robertson,” Ross said.

Gemma Nicoll, community development manager at Robertson, added: “With the recent skills gap forming in the construction sector, it’s very important now, to show young people the wide range of career opportunities within the construction sector. Robertson is pleased to be in a position to be able to provide people with that hands-on experience which they may not have normally been afforded.

“Our Young People Strategy has got off to a fantastic start in 2015, with lots of schools, colleges and universities taking part in the training available and we have plenty more planned across Scotland for the next nine months.”