A survey of parents of 16–24-year-olds across Scotland showed apprenticeships are their preferred career paths for young people while the construction industry specifically was among the top sectors chosen by almost a third (29%) of parents for their children to work in, beating healthcare (25%) and computing and technology (24%).

Apprenticeships were strongly favoured by parents, with nearly half of respondents (45%) preferring this career path for their child ahead of university (42%) and going directly into work (23%). More than half of parents surveyed (53%) said they have discussed apprenticeships with their child and nearly a third (32%) would prefer that their child ‘earn while they learn’.

The survey also found around two thirds (63%) of Scottish parents not only hold positive views of the construction sector but nearly three-quarters (74%) indicated they would be supportive of their child pursuing a career in it.

Dr Jocelyne Fleming, policy lead for Scotland at the CIOB, said: “Our survey results make it clear parents across Scotland recognise the value of construction careers and apprenticeships, which is hugely encouraging as the industry is in desperate need of new entrants. The challenge is with the widely recognised barriers across the skills and training system that prevent more young people from joining the industry.

“Without urgent intervention from Scottish Government to address these systemic challenges, skills shortages will persist, more young people will miss out on the well-paid, wide range of roles in our industry, and, ultimately, Scotland will not achieve its housing or climate objectives.”

A CIOB survey of young people in Scotland found the majority also view the construction sector positively (67%), but nearly half (49%) said construction careers were not covered in the careers advice they received at school, and almost a third (28%) feel construction careers are not accessible to young people.

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) now estimates 3,590 extra workers will be needed in Scotland each year from 2025-2029 just to meet demand.

To address the skills system challenges preventing the sector from recruiting the workforce it needs to meet this demand, CIOB has recently called for urgent action from the next Scottish Government in its 2026 Election Manifesto.

Fleming added: “As Scottish Government has already recognised, critical sectors require government-led skills planning. The commitment to an Offshore Wind Skills Action Plan in the Programme for Government is a clear example.

“Construction, which underpins delivery across housing, net zero, and infrastructure, requires the same level of strategic focus. Training skilled people takes time and, without a coordinated, properly resourced strategy, Scotland’s policy ambitions will remain aspirational rather than achievable.”

In its manifesto, CIOB has called for the next Scottish Government to develop a government-led Construction Skills Action Plan equivalent in ambition and status to that for offshore wind. It says the plan should be based on the current and future needs of the built environment, align policy and funding across the skills and training ecosystem, and, imperatively, address barriers to increasing the uptake and completion of apprenticeships across the sector.

BriggsAmasco boosts training programme

As an employer committed to offering qualification-based opportunities for trainees, commercial roofing and waterproofing contractor BriggsAmasco, is a keen advocate of Scottish Apprenticeship Week.

The company currently employs 18 apprentices across the business, which includes branches based in Aberdeen and Glasgow. It also provides ongoing training support for all staff up to NVQ Level 7. The company is stepping up its training programme with the roll-out of several key events throughout 2026.

Allan Doris, branch manager (Glasgow) at BriggsAmasco, said inspiring a new generation to embark on a career in construction is good for business and the industry.

“Our apprentices are the company’s future,” he said. “Their energy, passion and ideas bring so much to the business. Hence, we are committed to nurturing that talent. The construction industry’s ongoing skills shortage highlights why the sector as a whole must strive to sell building as a viable and valuable career choice.”

Nearly 40,000 apprentices are enrolled in training programmes across Scotland. Statistics show that modern apprentices earn up to 52% more than recruits who fail to complete their training.

This year, BriggsAmasco is further progressing its training offering with a range of enterprising initiatives in Scotland.

As well as its Glasgow branch hoping to recruit three flat roofing apprentices between March and August, the company is hosting an introductory roofing training programme. The Bauder Blue Roof demonstration, in partnership with Bauder and Multiplex, takes place at the University of Glasgow. The session aims to provide students and university staff with insights into roofing innovation and installation practices.

BriggsAmasco is also strengthening its relationship with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) North Lanarkshire. The initiative will further connect BriggsAmasco with schools and colleges, with the company hosting local students for a careers engagement course. Sessions will include mock job interviews to help youngsters prepare for the recruitment process.

Additionally, BriggsAmasco will continue to work with training partners such as Tigers Group to further expand career development opportunities for youngsters. The company will also remain committed to its branch buddy system. It includes trainee mentoring and providing its West Midlands head office with positive appraisals and structured reviews on each apprentice’s progress.

Allan added: “Apprenticeships offer more than professional qualifications and experience. They help further develop trainees’ personal development, providing valuable real-world insights and situations that will benefit them for life.”

Viral TikTok drives apprenticeship interest at Glasgow Kelvin College

Glasgow Kelvin College is reporting a notable increase in women applying for construction training as it marks Scottish Apprenticeship Week (2-6 March), highlighting the role colleges are playing in widening access to traditionally male-dominated industries.

The college, which supports more than 1,200 apprentices this academic year (2025–26), says targeted outreach and the use of platforms such as TikTok to showcase workshop life have helped shift perceptions around who construction careers are for.

A behind-the-scenes workshop video shared on the college’s TikTok channel earlier this year helped prospective students see what training looks like day to day, with many female applicants citing social media as the first time they had pictured themselves in a construction setting. That visibility supported the development of Glasgow Kelvin College’s Women into Construction course, a pre-apprenticeship course designed to give people the opportunity to try different trades before applying for further study.  

Since its introduction, more women have progressed into core construction disciplines including Carpentry & Joinery, Bricklaying, Painting & Decorating and Multi-Trades, alongside apprenticeship pathways.

Holly Thomas, a student on the Women into Construction course, said: “Before starting the course, I didn’t think construction was something I could see myself doing. Seeing other women in the workshops and having that supportive environment made a huge difference.

“It gave me the confidence to try things I never thought I’d be capable of, and now I’m seriously considering moving into a construction apprenticeship.”

The focus on widening access comes as demand for skilled trades continues across Scotland, particularly in Building Services disciplines such as Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR), which are increasingly recognised as central to achieving national net-zero targets. Glasgow Kelvin College is Scotland’s sole provider of Modern Apprenticeships in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning and Service & Maintenance, and one of only two providers for Heating and Ventilation apprenticeships.

Joanna Campbell, principal of Glasgow Kelvin College, said: “Scottish Apprenticeship Week gives us the opportunity to showcase the breadth of apprenticeship provision and the impact it has on Scotland’s economy. We are proud to support more than 1,200 apprentices this year across sectors that are critical to future growth.

“As a trusted provider and national leader in Building Services and HVACR, we are directly supporting the skills pipeline required to meet net-zero ambitions.

“At the same time, widening access remains a priority. Using digital platforms to show the reality of workshop learning has helped challenge outdated perceptions and encouraged more women to consider careers in construction.”

Tracy Burns, who led the development of the Women into Construction course, said: “Construction is still heavily male-dominated and that can feel like a barrier before someone even applies. By creating a dedicated starting point and using social media to show what training actually looks like, we are helping women picture themselves in these roles.

“Confidence is key. When students move into mixed classes or apprenticeships, they are better prepared and more assured in their abilities. A more balanced workforce benefits the whole industry.”