With over 30,000 people employed in the sector and £8.5 billion worth of infrastructure projects planned in Scotland over the next decade, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Scotland has taken positive steps to addressing the sectors skills gap, launching a innovative training academy.
Promoting inclusivity and diversity within the sector, this month at the College’s Paisley campus, the 18-week programme launched welcoming its first cohort of 13 school leavers as their initial intake.
The College hosted representatives from CECA to welcome the new cohort and to take a tour the facilities at our Paisley campus, where the course will be delivered to launch the programme.
The Academy has no entry requirements and encourages applicants from all backgrounds. Upon successful completion, the course guarantees a job interview, providing a tangible step into the industry.
Offering a foundation for a lifelong career, the new programme at West takes an innovative approach to learning, providing a hands-on learning experience delivered outdoors. Covering all aspects of health, wellbeing and working safety, the programme focuses on ground related works such as finding services, digging and reinstating ground, working with concrete, kerbs and drainage.
Dr Lee Coutts, Assistant Principal - Creativity, Technology & Skills at West said,
“Few industries shape our nation as profoundly as civil engineering. This dynamic field is a vital engine of economic growth in Scotland, underpinning key sectors such as roads, rail, water, and energy. We are delighted to partner with CECA on this exciting new offering to our curriculum to collaboratively support the workforce of the future.”
Mark Bramley, Regional Director from MacKenzie Construction who have taken on four new entrants from the first two tranches of candidates graduating from the CECA Scotland Academy said,
“All of our new recruits have integrated seamlessly into our team. Although they still have much to learn, the baseline knowledge and experience, understanding of our expectations and immediate practical application of the skills they’ve gained, have made them fantastic work ready additions to our team.”
He continued,
“The enthusiasm and motivation shown by the candidates has been a pleasure to witness, only matched by our own enthusiasm to continue to be associated with the CECA Scotland Academy, which provides an incredible stepping stone for much needed new entrants into a thriving industry with opportunity for fantastic long-term employment and progressive careers.”
For more information on West CECA Academy : https://www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk/courses/construction-building-services/ceca-scotland-academy-construction-operations
For more information on the national CECA Academy visit: https://cecascotlandacademy.co.uk/
