New apprentices join Falkirk Council’s A9/A904 Improvement Project

Harley Leggat, 19, from Grangemouth, and Adonai Mukundwa, 18, from Falkirk, have begun Modern Apprenticeships in Construction and Civil Engineering Operations (SCQF Level 5), while Tobi Somefun, 18, from Grangemouth, has started a Modern Apprenticeship in Business and Administration (SCQF Level 5).

The trio have each been offered 18-month roles with Balfour Beatty - the firm delivering the multi-million-pound infrastructure works on behalf of the council - and will soon begin their qualifications alongside onsite experience.

Every major infrastructure contract awarded by the council includes a community benefit clause, a requirement for contractors to deliver wider social, economic or environmental value alongside the core works.

These benefits range from school engagement and volunteering to work placements, apprenticeships, and community improvement projects.

By embedding these commitments from the start, the council ensures major investments not only improve infrastructure but also create meaningful opportunities for people across the area.

The apprenticeships were developed through the council’s Employment and Training Unit (ETU), which helps people prepare for and access employment through tailored training, qualifications and in-work support.

Both Harley and Adonai completed the SPC Academy earlier this year, a sector-based work academy delivered in partnership with ETU, Capital City Partnership, and Balfour Beatty. Tobi also worked closely with ETU, completing accredited training and employability programmes before securing the business administration role.

Councillor Paul Garner, Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for Economic Development, said: “Community benefit is about using major projects to open doors for people who might otherwise find it hard to get their first step into work. These apprenticeships show how investment in infrastructure can also invest in people, helping them build skills, confidence and a foundation for their careers.

“I’d like to congratulate Harley, Adonai and Tobi on securing their apprenticeships. They’ve shown real drive and commitment to start their careers in construction and administration, and with the support of ETU, they’re taking the first step towards what I’m sure will be fulfilling and rewarding futures.”

The council’s ETU co-ordinators will continue to provide wraparound support to each apprentice, ensuring they can make the most of their opportunities and successfully complete their qualifications.

Megan Simms, social impact manager at Balfour Beatty, added: “Working with ETU allows us to create real and lasting opportunities through our community benefit commitments. These apprenticeships are just one example of how we aim to leave a positive legacy – one that goes beyond construction - in the local communities where we work.”

The A9/A904 Improvement Project is the largest infrastructure scheme ever delivered under Falkirk Council’s Tax Incremental Finance (TIF) programme.

The project will create new dual carriageways, roundabouts and safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists. Once finished, it will ease congestion, improve traffic flow, and unlock land for the Falkirk Gateway development, providing new homes, leisure, retail and business opportunities near the Helix, Falkirk Stadium and Forth Valley College.