Forth Valley College and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) have launched an innovative new programme aimed at inspiring young people across the Central Belt to explore careers in engineering and welding.
The unique STEM Welding Workshops for schools – the VR Welding Experience - use cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) simulators to deliver an immersive experience to introduce pupils to the world of welding.
Led by the College’s dedicated STEM Engagement Team, the workshops offer pupils a hands-on introduction to welding in a safe and engaging format. The initiative is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and support Scotland’s Net Zero transition by encouraging more young people - particularly females - to consider careers in lower-carbon industries.
The workshops are available every Wednesday and Thursday throughout the academic year, with three sessions delivered per school visit. Each session accommodates up to 10 students, and the first session of the day is reserved exclusively for female pupils to promote gender diversity in engineering fields.
In Term 1, which runs from now until to November 2025, the workshops are open to pupils in S4 to S6, while Term 2, from January 2026 to March 2026, will welcome younger students in S1 to S3.
Each term concludes with a student competition hosted at Forth Valley College’s Falkirk Campus.
Colin McMurray, Vice Principal for Business & Innovation at Forth Valley College, said:
“This is a brilliant opportunity to bring engineering to life for young people. By combining immersive technology with real-world skills, we’re not only helping pupils see the potential of a future in STEM, we’re actively shaping it. These workshops give students a chance to experience the excitement and relevance of engineering in a way that’s accessible, inclusive, and inspiring. It’s about opening doors, challenging perceptions, and ensuring that every young person can see themselves in a career that supports Scotland’s transition to a low-carbon economy.”
Andrew Hockey, CEO of the ECITB, said: “The ECITB forecasts that 40,000 additional workers could be needed across the engineering construction industry (ECI) for major projects, including those related to net zero, by 2030.
“There is a clear need to attract a wider, more diverse talent pool into careers such as welding, and the STEM Welding Workshops run by Forth Valley College will help to support the long-term pipeline of new entrants into the industry.
“Working in partnership to inspire the next generation of engineers and welders and expanding the diversity of new entrants are absolutely vital for us to have a fighting chance of closing the skills gap and ensuring the ECI has the skilled workforce it needs both for now and the future.”
Schools are encouraged to book early, as slots are limited and demand is expected to be high. For more information or to secure a workshop date, contact Christopher Nisbet at christopher.nisbet@forthvalley.ac.uk or via mobile on 07485 398 276. Schools can also reach out to their local DYW coordinator.
You can also find more information here www.forthvalley.ac.uk/ecitb
