The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) is inviting organisations to get involved in helping shape a new programme designed to support the engineering construction industry’s future talent pipeline.

Andrew Hockey, CEO of the ECITB, said: “The ECITB’s Leading Industry Learning Strategy outlines the importance of encouraging new entrants into industry and engaging in activities to attract and inspire under-16s into ECI careers.
“One of the recurring themes we hear from employers across the industry is the critical need to inspire young people into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers from an early age.
“Our Business Plan for 2026 includes the action to deliver a key EDI (equity, diversity and inclusion) or attraction initiative in each ECITB region, including a STEM outreach engagement activity in Central Scotland targeting secondary schools.”

As part of its pre-tender market engagement, the ECITB is seeking input on the current STEM engagement landscape from engineering construction organisations, STEM outreach providers and third sector partners.
Feedback is welcomed on existing solutions, areas of good practice and any gaps that need to be addressed to strengthen STEM outreach and careers awareness.
The ECITB intends to issue the tender later in summer 2026 for the two-year pilot programme across the Scottish Central Belt, with delivery expected to commence in 2027.
Organisations interested in contributing to this early engagement are invited to attend an online event on 20 April at 11:00am. Insights gathered during this engagement will help inform the forthcoming tender and pilot programme.
For more information, please contact: careerandinclusion@ecitb.org.uk




