Project Description

Industry: Construction
Activity Type: Work Inspiration & Preparation / Apprenticeship Event / Construction Work Taster Businesses involved: Fife Council’s Building Services
Name of School: Kirkcaldy High School   

In partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Fife, Kirkcaldy High School (KHS) collaborated with Fife Council’s Building Services to deliver a hands-on workshop introducing pupils to the Building Services Modern Apprenticeship programme. The activity was designed to give young people practical insight into skilled trade careers, build confidence through hands-on experience, and highlight apprenticeship pathways within local government. 

Collaborative Partners 

• Fife Council Building Services – One of Scotland’s largest local employers, with over 900 staff, providing a wide range of maintenance and construction services across Fife. Their award-winning Modern Apprenticeship programme offers training and career progression in multiple skilled trades. 

• Kirkcaldy High School – Partnered with Building Services to provide pupils with early exposure to career opportunities in the construction sector, aligning classroom learning with practical employability pathways. 

• DYW Fife – Supported the collaboration to strengthen school–employer connections and ensure pupils gain meaningful work-related experiences.
   

Programme Aims 

The workshop was created to: 

• Raise awareness of skilled trade and construction career opportunities among pupils. 

• Help young people understand the structure and benefits of Fife Council’s Modern Apprenticeship programme. 

• Develop practical, transferable skills relevant to the Building Services sector. 

• Support young people in making informed choices about future employment or apprenticeship applications.
   

Activity Overview 

On Tuesday 30th September, KHS learners attended a workshop at Muirfield Training Centre, where they learned about the range of apprenticeship routes available through Fife Council’s Building Services. The session combined practical learning with career insight, giving pupils a taste of the trades in action. 

• Apprenticeship Insight: Pupils were introduced to the four-year Modern Apprenticeship programme, which blends college learning with site-based experience, leading to an SVQ Level 3 qualification. 

• Career Pathways: Apprenticeships were available in a wide range of trades, including joinery, electrical work, fabrication and welding, gas technology, stonemasonry, HGV mechanics, painting, glazing, and sign making. 

• Hands-On Experience: Pupils took part in simple plumbing, electrical, and joinery activities , the same types of tasks used in the apprenticeship skills tests, allowing them to experience the practical side of each trade. 

• Next Steps: Learners were briefed on the recruitment timeline, with applications opening in late January/February. Further information sessions are planned at school to support interested pupils in applying. 

Impact and Outcomes 

The workshop gave pupils a realistic understanding of construction-based careers and the skills needed to succeed in an apprenticeship.

Key outcomes included: 

• Improved awareness of apprenticeship pathways available locally. 

• Increased interest among pupils in pursuing vocational routes post-school. 

• Development of hands-on skills and confidence in practical problem-solving. 

Pupils expressed enthusiasm for the practical activities and appreciated the opportunity to talk directly with professionals about real career journeys.
 

Conclusion 

This collaboration between Kirkcaldy High School, Fife Council Building Services, and DYW Fife exemplifies how employer engagement can make career education meaningful and accessible. By combining hands-on learning with clear guidance on apprenticeship pathways, the initiative successfully enhanced employability awareness and inspired pupils to explore rewarding careers in the construction and building services industry.