In 2023, the Glasgow-based team engaged with 15 educational partners to expand its community benefits work within communities, whilst working towards alleviating the construction skills shortage.

The industry is facing a shortage of workers and needs 30,000 extra construction professionals by 2026 to meet growing demand across the sector. The housebuilder aims to address the skills shortage facing the region, and ultimately the country, by educating young people on the exciting opportunities and career paths available within the housebuilding sector.

Alice Harley, community benefits manager at Keepmoat Scotland, said: “Engaging with 15 schools, colleges and local education partners in 2023 is testament to how hard we work to inspire as many local young people as possible.

“Our dedicated team has supported local schools through different initiatives, including coordinating and attending school visits, site visits, careers fairs, specialist construction activities and managing bespoke apprenticeship schemes.”

Of the 15 educational partners, the Scottish team welcomed eight schools and colleges to its Northbridge Training hub in Glasgow, including St. Roch’s Secondary School, St. Andrew’s High School and Glasgow Clyde College.

Students enjoyed work experience and site visits through the Scottish-based team.

Tommy Donelly, senior deputy headteacher at St. Roch’s Secondary School added: “St Roch’s has really valued the input that we have had from Keepmoat. As a school, we are very focused on supporting our young people to gain a greater awareness of the world of work and the range of opportunities available to them.

“The programme marries well with our aspirations to provide a dynamic curriculum which meets the needs of all of our young people with more emphasis on vocational education.

“The staff at Keepmoat have been amazing to work with. They are very forward looking, creative and responsive to the needs of the young people in front of them. It has been a strong partnership and one that we look forward to continuing to develop.”