Construction firm Kier has opened a construction academy, Constructing Futures, on site at Currie Community High School in Edinburgh, offering industry and employability skills to students.

The 'Constructing Futures' partnership, between Kier, the school, Edinburgh City Council, Edinburgh College and local employability partner RUTS, will cover the full academic year and introduce students to the construction industry.

A total of 15 fourth-year students from Currie Community High School and Balerno High School will take part in the programme, giving them the industry accreditations needed to begin a career in the industry and employability skills such as CV preparation and interview techniques.

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The site-based programme offers the opportunity to learn in a live working environment, while students will also take part in site visits, attend professional talks and demonstrations, and complete a work experience placement. By the end of the course, they will have achieved a 'National Progression Award Construction Craft & Technician' at SCQF Level 4. They will also study for a Health & Safety in a Construction Environment Award and CSCS course.

The NPA Construction Crafts: Technician Award; is delivered by Edinburgh College. The 36-week programme provides students with an insight into the Construction industry delivering training in many different trade areas. Having received training through the many trade skills the young people are far better equipped to make an informed decision on which trade they would like progress to after school, in turn gaining successful employment in the form of an apprenticeship.