Grahame Barn

With over £70 billion of infrastructure investment in the pipeline through to 2035, Scotland’s civil engineering sector is at the heart of the nation’s future. Yet despite the scale of opportunity, the industry faces mounting challenges, chief among them a critical labour shortage.

To address this, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Scotland is set to launch a bold new Industry Marketing Strategy in 2025, designed to attract new talent and strengthen the sector’s workforce for generations to come.

Grahame Barn, chief executive of CECA Scotland, said: “We can’t shy away from the challenges. This is a moment that calls for unity, vision, and action. We’re committed to raising the profile of our industry and attracting the next generation who will build and maintain the infrastructure Scotland depends on.”

At the heart of CECA Scotland’s new strategy is a commitment to inspiring more people to pursue careers in civil engineering contracting. Through a series of targeted campaigns, the organisation will shine a spotlight on the breadth and diversity of roles within the sector, positioning civil engineering contracting as a rewarding and secure career path for young people and career changers alike.

The strategy will also focus on celebrating the achievements of CECA Scotland’s member organisations. By showcasing the people and projects behind Scotland’s infrastructure, CECA aims to increase visibility for its members, promote best practice, and reinforce the value they bring to communities across the country.

Finally, CECA Scotland will continue to champion the vital national role that civil engineering plays. From driving economic growth to supporting sustainable development and ensuring national resilience, the sector is central to Scotland’s progress and CECA will advocate strongly for its importance at every level.

The campaign will feature authentic voices from across the industry, telling the stories behind Scotland’s essential infrastructure—from roads and railways to bridges and flood defences. These stories aim to inspire young people and career changers to consider a future in civil engineering contracting.

Mr Barn concluded: “By working together, we can ensure civil engineering continues to be a dynamic, respected, and future-ready profession—one that not only reflects Scotland’s proud history but also helps shape its future.”