Construction skills academy to be set up in the capital

AN educational academy – providing young people the opportunity to learn construction skills, such as joinery – is to be set up in Edinburgh.

The academy – operating from no specific address, but to be shared across various locations – is to be spearheaded jointly by two companies that have both been awarded a ten-year contract to inspect, repair and maintain the city council’s buildings: Swedish construction company, Skanska, and British facilities management company, Mitie.

Says the council, the initiative is being supported by Edinburgh College; Scottish Government youth employment initiative, Developing the Young Workforce; and heritage agency, Historic Environment Scotland. It is being led by the council.

Says a media announcement, here: “The academy is being set up to address skills shortages in the construction industry both within traditional construction trades but also within professional and back-office roles. It also aims to encourage a more diverse and inclusive workforce by starting to work closely with [school] pupils from as early as primary school to provide insights into construction.”

The announcement adds there will be five key skills being taught – painting and decorating, joinery, slating, stone masonry and thermal imaging – with the academy fully operational by 2024.

It is understood that discussions are still on-going as to the qualifications the students might achieve, and exactly how many student places will be made available.

Picture credit: The City of Edinburgh Council

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