Successfully operating in the North of England for over five years, Esh Group’s ‘Building my Skills’ programme aims to equip young people leaving school with the employability skills they need to develop successful careers, getting the advice first hand from employers.

To be rolled out in Scotland for the first time in the new academic year, the initiative has now grown to encompass 90 schools and 120 businesses, delivering 66,000 hours of education to 11,000 school pupils.

Esh Border Construction partners with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Peter Brett Associates, Peace Recruitment, Beattie Communications, Brodies Solicitors and The Armed Forces with more business partners encouraged to take part.

Schools across five local authority areas in the South and East of Scotland are set to benefit from the partnership with business professionals each delivering an interactive session providing insights on their career path, sector and the employability skills they value.

Simon Phillips regional managing director Esh Border Construction said: “The ethos of Esh Group is firmly rooted in putting something back into the communities in which we operate and that’s why I’m delighted that we’re able to introduce the Building My Skills programme so early on in our growth in Scotland.

“We’ve had great support so far from many of our business partners who share our aims – to provide quality realistic and relevant careers information to the workforce of the future.

“I hope they gain the same rewards we do from inspiring young people to make positive and informed career choices.”

Darush Dodds, head of corporate responsibility at Esh, added: “It is hugely rewarding to work with young people to inspire their career choices and help them into the workplace. The collaborative effort of many different businesses helps schools gain access to a wide variety of skills. It is great to see the hard work of all our partners in Building My Skills recognised on a national level.”

Delivered across the academic year students receive five one hour sessions from business people across a range of sectors.

The Scottish schools taking part are:

Building My Skills saw Esh Group awarded the Business in the Community Responsible Business Award 2015 in the Schools Partnership category.

Companies wishing to take part in Building My Skills can contact addedvalue@esh.uk.com for more information.