‘World of Work Tasters’ event set to encourage hundreds more young people to choose construction

From the 4th to the 6th March young people from across Scotland will travel to the Engine Shed in Stirling to take part in an innovative work taster event.
In collaboration with Developing the Young Workforce and Historic Environment Scotland, experts from Morgan Sindall Construction and their construction partners will provide valuable insight and ‘hands-on’ experience.
FES, Sika, Lesterose Scotland, City Access Scaffolding, Atkins Realis and Baker Hicks are amongst those taking part, whilst Speedy Hire will be supplying equipment on the day.
From computer-aided design through to traditional stonemasonry, as well as an emphasis on sustainability and green skills, the event aims to re-position construction as a career of choice.
Conor Moran, national projects manager at Developing the Young Workforce, said: “Morgan Sindall and their construction partners have produced a timetable of seven sessions that demonstrates the diversity of the industry.
“These work tasters are effective, not only in helping match the right person with the right role, but also in inspiring those who haven’t previously considered a career in construction.
“We are encouraging more employers to get involved and collaborate in this manner. As well as widening the talent pool to help address skills shortages, more informed decision-making can lead to more apprenticeships being progressed to completion.”
Taking place during Scottish Apprenticeship Week, the Engine Shed will be transformed into an immersive learning hub.
Katerina Brown, chief executive of Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Morgan Sindall Construction and Developing the Young Workforce to host this event at The Engine Shed and to showcase the diverse skills, jobs and career pathways available within the construction sector.
“Investment in skills, jobs and training is vital to ensure we can maintain, repair, and decarbonise the historic built environment and to enjoy the benefits this can generate.
“As part of the event, our HES specialists will be running a stonemasonry workshop to give learners a taste of real-life experience of this traditional craft and offering the opportunity to try their hand at working with stone.
“Demand for stonemasonry is ever increasing, and yet we are now at risk of losing these traditional skills. It’s crucial that we ensure there are the necessary opportunities for people to learn this important craft.
“We hope that this event will help demonstrate that the sector is a vibrant and innovative place to work and that heritage skills are vital for Scotland, today and in the future.”
The Sessions offered each day include -
- ‘Digital Den’ – A journey into the world of digital construction to learn about architecture and computer-aided design
- ‘A Greener Future’ - Sustainable construction and our environment
- ‘COUNT on us’ - Calculating the cost of construction
- ‘One Build at a Time’ – A practical bricklaying & scaffolding workshop
- ‘Let’s go Retro!’ - Learn about building restoration and retrofitting energy efficiency measures
- ‘Spark’ - An insight into what it’s like to be an electrician, plumber or M&E engineer
- ‘Carving out Construction’ – real-life experience of working as a stonemason
Rachael Topping, learning and development advisor at Morgan Sindall Construction Scotland, said: “This pioneering programme showcases Morgan Sindall’s commitment to building pathways into the construction industry and empowering young people to reach their full potential. By offering hands-on experience across multiple disciplines, we’re not just presenting career options - we’re providing invaluable insights into the transformative opportunities our industry offers.
“Our collaboration with partners and leading industry experts highlights the remarkable outcomes achievable when the private sector invests in nurturing young talent. This initiative is a vital step in shaping the next generation of the workforce, ensuring we equip skilled individuals to drive the future of construction.”