The Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) has launched their new Future Skills Strategy, which is aims to boost innovation for the next generation in the construction industry
The Future Skills Strategy will accommodate a range of interactive courses and activities which will help to widen participation and educate young people about the career opportunities available within the industry, and what those roles might look like in the future.
The strategy will put the technology that's unlocking innovation in the sector in the hands of school pupils, college and university students as well as industry leaders.
Rohan Bush, head of public partnerships & future workforce at CSIC, said: "Simply telling young people that they could have a great future in construction isn't that effective. But let them play with the tech that will be part of that future, and they come back wanting to know more. We are really excited about this new strategy and the opportunities it offers.
"The increased use of digital technologies is changing how we work and gives real opportunities to work smarter, efficiently and more sustainably. The new programmes also offer those currently working in the industry the opportunity to expand and develop their skills and knowledge."
Building on the success of the BIM in Practice and College Innovation programmes, the new strategy will unlock partnerships with schools, further education providers, public sector partners and industry.
CSIC is working collaboratively with a number of partners to deliver new activities. The Play with the Future programme will give school pupils the opportunity to experience the future of construction by utilising pioneering equipment housed within the Innovation Factory.
Delivered in conjunction with Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), young people will anticipate and consider what an individual's needs might be and how homes can be adapted using digital and assistive technology.
They will also get the opportunity to be hands-on with collaborative robots to see how they might work alongside people in the future.
Elaine Ellis, skills planning manager at Skills Development Scotland, said: "We are delighted to be working with Construction Scotland Innovation Centre team to showcase the innovation and skills opportunities within the construction industry."
Other programme opportunities:
Construction Virtual Reality Training (CONVERT) will offer learners the opportunity to experience different immersive learning environments including working at height, the use of drones in construction, Mimbus woodcutting and paint spraying modules and the Virtual Building Element Environment (VBEE).
In VBEE, users will be set a task to build either a house, an industrial unit or an offsite modular building, and will be presented with a range of scenarios.
The decisions they make during the process, including the selection and use of materials, technical specifications, and processes used, will be presented and evaluated on completion.
This programme is funded by CITB and led by Construction Wales Innovation Centre.
These programmes are important as the industry looks to drive productivity and growth, and create a workforce that is innovative, dynamic and globally competitive.
(MH/JG)
Construction News
12/12/2019
CSIC Launch New Future Skills Strategy


17/04/2025
A joint venture between Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures and Buccleuch Property has successfully acquired 101 Centre Street in Glasgow, signalling a significant investment in the city's burgeoning southbank area. The 50/50 partnership aims to unlock substantial redevelopment potential on the 1.7

17/04/2025
Biotech firm MiAlgae has taken a significant step in its expansion plans by submitting proposals for a new production facility in Grangemouth, Scotland. The move is set to bolster Scotland’s green economic transition, with the first phase of the site projected to generate over 100 green jobs once op

17/04/2025
Scottish Water has completed the initial phase of a significant peatland restoration project at Loch Katrine, a vital source of drinking water for over a million customers in Glasgow and the surrounding areas.
The 400-hectare initiative aims to enhance water quality by reducing the amount of organ

17/04/2025
Clark Contracts has commenced work on a new £30 million purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development on Osborne Street in Glasgow.
The contractor was appointed by Ambassador Group to undertake the design and build of the 273-bed project.
Located in the heart of Glasgow City Centre withi

17/04/2025
Seven projects dedicated to promoting, celebrating, and enhancing Scotland's rich and diverse heritage are set to receive a share of £3.9 million in funding. The grants have been awarded through Historic Environment Scotland's (HES) Partnership Fund, which supports third-sector organisations making

17/04/2025
The Viking Community Fund has distributed over £1 million to 52 projects in the Shetland Islands since its inception on 1 September 2024.
The funding has provided vital support to a diverse range of community initiatives, from small grants for youth clubs and sports teams to significant investment

17/04/2025
The Finishes & Interiors Sector (FIS) has announced a new partnership with The Skills Centre to provide essential training and support for individuals seeking careers in the finishes and interiors sector. The collaboration is a direct response to the increasing skills shortage within the constructio

17/04/2025
John Aitchison, Managing Director of Maxi Construction, has announced the successful acquisition of several new contracts. Commenting on the recent awards, Mr Aitchison stated: "These contracts represent repeat business and awards via some of the frameworks we’re appointed to. We look forward to suc

16/04/2025
Construction work on the £5 million repair and refurbishment project at the Loch Centre in Tranent is scheduled to commence in June 2026.
East Lothian Council has announced the anticipated start date for the significant upgrade to the well-used community facility.
Under the current timetable, the

16/04/2025
A £636,000 project to install solar panels at the Gorbals water pumping station in South Ayrshire has been successfully completed.
The scheme aims to provide a renewable energy source for pumping water to thousands of customers in the region.
The project involved the installation of 793 solar pan