FIFE COLLEGE is working with three other colleges in Scotland and industry partners to offer a new course in Civil Engineering.

The course is being developed to help meet the growing demand for more civil engineering professionals who can help construct the infrastructure projects outlined by the Scottish Government.

Dennis Savage, the director of faculty, engineering science technology and the built environment at Fife College, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to be working with other colleges to develop a programme that will enhance the work-based learning aspect of civil engineering skills.

"This will allow all candidates to practice in a real-life working environment to develop their hand skills, in order to succeed in the industry.

"We look forward to our first cohort starting at the end of August."

The 18-week-long course is the result of an innovative partnership approach and is the first CECA Scotland Academy Construction Operations NPA course to address the major skills shortage in civil engineering.

The Energy Skills Partnership (ESP) has worked with Civil Engineering Contractors Association Scotland (CECA), Fife College, UHI Inverness, UHI West Highland and UHI Argyll to introduce the programme from August.

Jim Brown, director at ESP, said: "By establishing an academy model and fostering strong partnerships with ESP and colleges, CECA Scotland is driving the construction sector forward, ensuring a skilled and capable workforce to meet the demands of infrastructure projects.

"Collaboration between industry and education is the key to unlocking the full potential of our future engineers and builders, propelling Scotland towards a prosperous and sustainable future."

Civil engineering is critical to supporting local communities by building the vital infrastructure and transport links they rely on, but its workforce is ageing.

This Construction Operations course provides an important new route into the industry and will support the attraction and retention of new talent.

Applications are now open for the course. It is aimed at young people interested in studying the practical skills they will need to prepare them for employment as a civil engineering operative.

The course will be project based and the majority of the skills will be taught outside.

Every student will be guaranteed an interview for a job upon completion of the programme and employers have signed up to guarantee employment of 75 per cent of the successful graduates.

Grahame Barn, Chief Executive of CECA Scotland, added: "The CECA Scotland Academy is an industry-driven programme designed to create a pathway from full-time education directly into the Scottish civil engineering sector.

"Each student will complete an entry-level qualification. The course is open to all young people irrespective of academic level, sex or background.

"Everyone who successfully completes the full-time training course will be guaranteed an interview with a civil engineering contractor, with a realistic ambition of employment for everyone who completes it.

"Further on-the-job training will take place in full-time employment."