SCAPEing out a World of Work

Inspiring Scotland’s future workforce through hands-on experience
2023
SCAPE Work Taster WEB 143

Developed by the SCAPE Scotland Community Legacy Group, SCAPEing out a World of Work responds directly to Scotland’s growing construction skills gap and the ambitions of Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) to broaden career awareness among young people.

Hosted at The Engine Shed in Stirling, the two-day immersive event brought together more than 200 young people aged 16–25 from across Scotland, including underrepresented and hard-to-reach groups. Through a series of interactive workshops and demonstrations, attendees explored the full breadth of careers in construction, including traditional trades, professional roles, digital innovation and green roles.

From trying stone masonry and brickwork, to engaging with BIM models in a 270-degree VR environment, and operating surveying equipment and electric plant machinery, participants gained practical, hands-on insight into a modern and evolving industry. Sustainability and biodiversity were key themes throughout the event, reinforcing the sector’s role in shaping a greener future across Scotland.

The impact was clear, 68% of attendees increased their understanding of construction careers, 73% said they would consider a role in the industry, and 97% would recommend the experience to others.

Delivered in collaboration with SCAPE Scotland’s framework delivery partners Arup, AtkinsRéalis, Balfour Beatty, McLaughlin & Harvey, Morgan Sindall, Kier, Triskelion, the initiative demonstrates how industry-led engagement can break down barriers, challenge perceptions and inspire the next generation.

These experiences do more than just showcase careers in the construction industry, they make them feel possible.

"The feedback from the work tasters was phenomenal. Collaboration with the SCAPE partners, HES and supporters enabled us to create something special for young people from across Scotland. Highlights included attendance from hard-to-reach young people and underrepresented groups. The young people, teachers, college staff, support staff and even HES volunteers were all blown away with the opportunities available within construction."

Elizabeth Halliday, Head of Responsible Business at Morgan Sindall Construction

Initiative outcomes

213 Young people
98% Rated event 'Good' or 'Excellent'
73% Pupils ‘Likely’ or ‘Very Likely’ to consider a career in construction
68% Said their knowledge of roles in construction increased
"We set out to inform and inspire the young people who came along so that they might consider a career in the built environment. By giving them a taster and some hands-on experience of a wide variety of roles within the industry we hope that they left the event more knowledgeable about construction and some of the amazing career opportunities it holds."

Gary Meechan, SCAPE Scotland’s Head of Frameworks