The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) has announced the training centres that will deliver its scholarship programme from September 2026.
Ten training centres across the UK will welcome 140 new scholars this autumn, offering funded, full-time training across plating, pipefitting, welding, mechanical, fabrication, design and draughting and technician roles.
“The ECITB Scholarship Programme continues to be one of the most effective ways to support individuals at the start of their careers in engineering construction. Working closely with our network of training centres across the UK, the programme delivers high-quality, industry-relevant training aligned to employers’ needs.
“This regional approach ensures learners gain practical skills where opportunities exist, providing a strong foundation and a clear pathway into sustainable, long-term careers.”
Adrian Wookey
Head of New Entrants, ECITB
ECITB scholarship pathways starting Autumn 2026:
South Wales
- Pembrokeshire College
Level 2 Fabrication and Welding (1-year programme)
South West
- Train4All
Level 2 Plating (1-year programme)
Level 2 Welding (1-year programme) – Applications now closed - UCS College Group (Bridgwater College)
Level 2 Pipefitting (1-year programme)
Level 2 Welding (1-year programme)
South East
- Reagit
Level 2 Pipefitting (1-year programme)
Cumbria
- Lakes College
Level 2 Pipefitting and Mechanical (1-year programme)
Central Belt of Scotland
- Forth Valley College
Level 2 Pipefitting and Mechanical (1-year programme)
Level 2 Mechanical | Fabrication & Welding (1-year programme)
North East Scotland
- NESCol (North East Scotland College)
Level 3 Electrical / Instrument Control (2-year programme)
Level 3 Mechanical / Electrical (2-year programme)
North East England
- NETA Training
Level 2 Pipefitting (1-year programme)
Humber Region
- CATCH
Level 2 Pipefitting (1-year programme)
London & Thames Valley Region
- Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges
Level 3 Design and Drafting (2-year programme)
Read more on the pathways and centres on our scholarship page
Building the future workforce
The ECITB Scholarship gives 16–19 year olds the skills, confidence and industry experience they need to hit the ground running.
Scholars train full time at an ECITB approved centre across the UK, earning a weekly learner allowance while working towards industry-recognised qualifications. Upon completion they have site experience, relevant safety passports and a genuine understanding of what working in engineering construction looks and feels like.
Most scholars progress directly into apprenticeships or employment, with many going on to build long careers on some of the UK’s most critical infrastructure projects.
Scott Urquhart is living proof of what the programme can do. Now working as an Asset Integrity Base Technician for Stork, Scott began his ECITB Scholarship with no prior engineering construction experience. Today, he’s using the skills he gained to shape his career.
