A youth employment task force has used the flood damage in Aberdeenshire to give local youngsters a chance to see the construction industry in action.
Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) helped arrange a trip for Alford and Banchory academy students to see repair work taking place on the A93 Ballater to Braemar Road, part of which was swept away during last month’s storms.
DYW and McIntosh Plant Hire, which is laying the road’s new foundations, believed witnessing the project would encourage more children to consider a career in the sector.
Bert McIntosh, who owns the plant hire firm and is a DYW supporter, said: “Activity such as this should be a new curriculum innovation in schools to urge and encourage pupils to become hands on construction site workers.”
He said that the industry has severe shortfall of builders, plumbers, slaters, joiners, electricians, painters and timber kit erectors, as well as HGV and plant operators.
Rachel Kennedy, the principal engineer at Aberdeenshire Council, said: “There is a lack of engineers and a severe lack of companies providing apprenticeships to young people.
“The importance of visual and practical learning should be emphasised more through these vocational routes.”
Moira Milne, head teacher at Alford Academy said: “This is a great example of local employers working with schools to create opportunities for our young people and witness first-hand what life at work is like.
“This experience for the pupils provides the opportunity for them to interact with a range of employees involved in the construction industry.
“In turn, our young people will gain better knowledge of careers, learning pathways, local employment opportunities and potentially be inspired to follow a career in this field.”
DYW North East, which was set up last year, aims to make youngsters more aware of the career opportunities available to them by improving links between educators and employers.