Project Description

Industry: Construction
Activity Type: Work Inspiration / Skills Development / Sector Awareness / Employability Skills
Activity Name: Ideal Candidate Employability Programme
Businesses involved: Robertson Partnership Homes
Name of School: Beath High School 

In partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Fife, Beath High School has delivered the Ideal Candidate Programme for the second year running to a targeted group of 12 pupils. This six-week employability initiative is designed to build confidence, develop core skills for work, and provide meaningful workplace experience within the construction sector. The programme combines classroom-based employability sessions with a site visit to Robertson Partnership Homes’ Lochgelly construction site and a week’s work experience, enabling young people to connect what they learn in school with real careers in the trades. 

 

Collaborative Partners 

Robertson Partnership Homes – Lochgelly Site

As a major housing developer with active sites in the local area, Robertson Partnership Homes is committed to creating social value in the communities where it works. Led by Jamie Hughes, Social Impact Manager, the Lochgelly team partnered with Beath High School and DYW Fife to open up their construction site, host a group of pupils, and coordinate tailored work experience placements across a range of trades. 

Beath High School & DYW Fife

Beath High School identified a group of pupils who would benefit from additional support to prepare for life after school and worked closely with Robertson to shape a programme that combined employability learning with practical experience. The school’s staff supported pupils throughout the six weeks, ensuring they were ready to get the most out of the site visit and subsequent work placements.

Aims 

The Ideal Candidate Programme was created to: 

• Develop pupils’ understanding of the skills and qualities employers look for in the construction and trades sectors. 
• Build practical employability skills, including CV writing, interview preparation, and performance in mock interviews. 
• Provide hands-on insight into a live construction site and a range of skilled trades. 
• Enable pupils to work towards their Level 4 Employability and Level 5 Work Placement qualifications. 
• Support young people to move into a positive destination, such as an apprenticeship or employment in construction, when they leave school. 

 

Activity Overview 

 Across six weeks, pupils took part in a structured employability programme delivered in partnership between Beath High School, Robertson Partnership Homes, and DYW Fife. Classroom sessions focused on identifying personal skills and qualities, understanding employer expectations, and developing strong CVs. Pupils also practised interview techniques and took part in mock interviews to build confidence in presenting themselves professionally. 

The programme culminated in a site visit to Robertson’s construction site in Lochgelly, where pupils were introduced to the different roles involved in delivering a housing development. The visit allowed pupils to see the working environment, ask questions directly to professionals on site, and “set the scene” ahead of their individual work experience placements. 

Following the visit, each pupil is scheduled to complete a week’s work experience, shadowing a trade of their choice over the coming months. This progression from classroom learning to real on-site experience gives pupils the chance to apply what they have learned, gain valuable practical insight, and gather examples they can refer to in future applications and interviews. 

 

Impact and Outcomes 

The Ideal Candidate Programme has given pupils a clearer understanding of what it takes to succeed in the construction industry, while also building their confidence and motivation to pursue a positive destination. Through the combination of skills workshops, site exposure, and planned work experience, pupils have gained both accredited qualifications and real-world insight. 

Key outcomes include: 

• Progress towards Level 4 Employability and Level 5 Work Placement qualifications. 

• Increased confidence in applying for jobs and apprenticeships, supported by improved CVs and interview skills. 

• First-hand experience of a live construction site and the day-to-day work of different trades. 

• Stronger links between Beath High School, Robertson Partnership Homes, and DYW Fife, creating a model that can be repeated and built upon in future years. 

 

Feedback  

Cree Baxter, S6 – “I got a lot out of the programme and I really enjoyed my work experience on the Robertson’s site shadowing the sparky for a week. I now know this job is definitely something I want to pursue when I leave school.” 

Lorraine Thomson, DYW Co-ordinator – “This is an excellent targeted programme for a group of young people who require some extra support and confidence building to allow them to set themselves up to be in a position to access a positive destination in the competitive construction trades when they leave school in the near future. The programme is practical and gives fantastic hands-on experience that the young people can refer back to in an application form or interview situation. Without this programme this would be much more difficult for them to do in a meaningful way! We really appreciate Jamie’s efforts in also getting them all booked in for the weeks work experience.”