A pioneering skills hub in Glasgow is helping young people take their first steps into the construction industry.
Delivered via a partnership between top 10 housebuilder, Keepmoat, and Glasgow Clyde College, the initiative provides hands-on training, real-world site experience and access to a direct route into employment for aspiring construction professionals across the city.
Based at the housebuilder’s NorthBridge development, a flagship 1,000-strong housing scheme, the skills hub has engaged 120 full-time students over the last 18 months, raising construction attainment to its highest in the college’s history.
The programme has also led to a number of paid apprenticeships and subcontractor placements, demonstrating its impact in connecting education with meaningful career opportunities.
Allan Dickie, Curriculum Manager for Construction at Glasgow Clyde College said: “We are excited to be part of this project with Keepmoat. Our construction students visit the site each week to work on construction projects onsite provided by the Keepmoat team at NorthBridge.
“The project has been running since November 2023, and our construction students have spent up to three days each week at the employer-funded hub on the live site, translating college theory into real-world practice and co-delivering community benefit projects. “Four lecturers jointly timetable and assess learning alongside Keepmoat supervisors, while free under-21 bus travel keeps the model cost-neutral for learners. In just 18 months the initiative has engaged 120 full-time students, raised Construction attainment to the highest in the city, and generated paid apprenticeships and subcontractor placements.
“Employers now write learning outcomes, supply materials and set live briefs. Such has been the success of the collaboration between the college and Keepmoat that the partnership was awarded the “Employers Connections Award” at the recent College Development Network awards ceremony.
“We look forward to working with the Keepmoat team and have recently expanded the programme to students at our Anniesland campus enabling us to continue the operation across wider housing schemes.”
Tim Metcalfe, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, Scotland added: “This fantastic initiative reflects a shared commitment to investing in local communities and addressing skills shortages within the construction sector, while supporting the next generation of talent in Glasgow.
“At Keepmoat, we’re passionate about creating a strong pipeline of skilled workers to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of the industry. Partnerships like this are vital in bridging the gap between education and employment, giving people the practical experience, confidence and qualifications they need to succeed.
“Developing talent at every stage is a cornerstone of our ethos and we’re proud to support initiatives that open doors and deliver real social value. It’s incredibly encouraging to see the positive impact the NorthBridge skills hub is already having on the college community and we look forward to seeing its continued success in the years ahead.”
Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality new homes across the UK. To date, almost 70 percent of its current developments are on brownfield sites.
