An exciting initiative aimed at bridging the gap between education and the workplace, was organised recently by Forth Valley College, the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) and Developing the Young Workforce (DYW).
The event held at the FVC Falkirk Campus on Tuesday 11 November, connected local high school students with industry employers and brought together around more than 200 pupils who all gathered at FVC to explore opportunities in the engineering construction sector.
With a strong emphasis on apprenticeships and hands-on career pathways, students were given the chance to engage directly with potential employers, gaining insight into job roles, skill requirements, and future apprenticeship openings. This direct engagement is part of a larger effort to address skills gaps in the industry by inspiring and cultivating future talent.
The day was packed with interactive activities, including campus tours, visits to FVC’s specialised industry workshops, and a virtual reality welding simulator that allowed students to try their hand at welding in a fun and realistic way. Many students achieved impressive scores on the simulator, sparking newfound interest in welding careers.
Those attending the event were also given an insight into what FVC’s new Skills Transition Centre has to offer and the pupils were encouraged to try out the new learning equipment and discover the courses that will be on offer in the weeks and months to come.
Caroline Hogg, FVC’s Head of Apprenticeships, said: “This event was a fantastic opportunity for students to explore viable career paths within the engineering and construction industry and learn about the exciting opportunities available at the College. By creating an environment where students could interact directly with employers, the event has not only provided valuable career inspiration, but has also helped local companies strengthen their community presence and brand with emerging talent.
“Through partnerships like this, the College, ECITB, and DYW are demonstrating a commitment to preparing local youth for fulfilling careers, equipping them with knowledge, connections, and enthusiasm for the future.”
Karen Wright, DYW Forth Valley Programme Lead (Falkirk), said: “It is a team effort to prepare young people for the world of work. This event was a great example of collaboration, with schools, employers, Forth Valley College and DYW Forth Valley coming together for one common goal, to inspire the future workforce.
“The power of the conversations and interactive activities that took place cannot be underestimated. More than 100 pupils from secondary schools across the Forth Valley region left the event more informed about what opportunities are out there for them, the skills they would need to succeed and the variety of pathways available to achieving a career in the Engineering Construction sector.”
