Ukrainian Construction Academy

Status: Delivered

Location: Edinburgh

Supplier: Balfour Beatty

In November 2022, Capital City Partnership's ESESCRD Integrated Employer Engagement team were approached by EVOC (Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council) and Balfour Beatty. It had come to EVOC’s attention that several Ukrainian people living in our region had construction experience but no formal UK-recognised qualifications.

Balfour Beatty are the lead contractor for the Edinburgh Futures Institute and had vacancies on all their Edinburgh projects because of the skills shortage across the construction industry. They asked the Integrated Employer Engagement Team to explore the feasibility of developing a regionally funded academy to support labour needs within the construction industry; whilst helping those who have settled in the UK because of the conflict in Ukraine.

 

Ukrainian refugees living in our region benefitted from support through the Edinburgh Future Institute and a Construction Skills Academy, funded by the Edinburgh & South East Scotland City Region Deal.

In add date Capital City Partnerships ESESCRD Integrated Employer Engagement team were approached by EVOC (Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council) and Balfour Beatty. It had come to EVOC’s attention that several Ukrainian people were living in our region and had construction experience. However, without formal UK-recognised qualifications, they could not access these construction jobs. Balfour Beatty is the lead contractor for the Edinburgh Futures Institute and had vacancies on all their Edinburgh projects.

Balfour Beatty asked the Integrated Employer Engagement Team to explore the feasibility of developing a regionally funded Construction Academy to support labour needs within the construction industry; whilst supporting those who have settled in the UK because of the conflict in Ukraine.

 

As a result of the academy, three candidates have moved back into their area of specialism within the construction industry, four candidates moved into local construction roles, three remained employed, and three moved on to further training.

One candidate had been working in a fabrication job via an agency before attending the academy, however – he was a qualified plumber and was able to secure a job in plumbing post academy: