Companies bidding for contracts connected to the Aberdeen bypass could be forced to hire and train workers locally.
Concerns have been raised over the loss of construction jobs in the north-east which fell from 7,200 in 2009 to 5,800 last year.
Official figures showed the number of construction firms registered in Aberdeen fell from 640 in 2009 to 610 in 2013 – 15 fewer than the number of firms operating in 2012.
North-east Labour MSP Richard Baker yesterday asked what action the Scottish Government was taking to support the region’s construction industry.
He said the construction of the Aberdeen western peripheral route (Awpr) offered significant opportunities to local firms.
He asked that when concluding the contract with the preferred bidder that the “right emphasis will be place” on the use of community benefit clauses, which target recruitment and training.
Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing said he made a “reasonable” point, adding: “He will be aware that I am not the minister who is responsible for overseeing the implementation of procurement contracts. However, I shall certainly have discussions with my colleague (Transport Minister) Keith Brown, who has that responsibility.”