Future Trades: Your First Step into Construction

If you’re interested in construction and want to take your first step into the industry, Future Trades offers a practical, supportive way to get started. This focused programme is designed to help young people gain real experience, recognised qualifications and clear routes into employment.

Future Trades is a six-week programme delivered by North Ayrshire Council in partnership with Working North Ayrshire. It supports young people who are curious about construction and want hands-on experience across a range of trades while developing the skills employers are looking for.

Future Trades is all about learning by doing. Participants gain practical, on-site experience across a variety of construction trades, helping them understand different roles within the sector and identify where their interests and strengths lie.

The programme provides exposure to real working environments, giving participants a strong foundation before moving into employment, apprenticeships or further training.

As part of the programme, participants work towards industry-recognised qualifications, including achieving their CSCS card, which is essential for working on construction sites.

These qualifications not only improve employability but also demonstrate commitment, readiness and professional standards to future employers.

Alongside technical training, Future Trades offers tailored employability support, ensuring each participant gets the guidance they need to progress.

This includes:

• One-to-one support and career guidance
• Help with CV writing and interview preparation
• Clear progression routes into jobs, apprenticeships or further education and training

Support continues beyond the programme, helping participants make confident, informed decisions about their next steps.

Future Trades plays a vital role in supporting both young people and the local economy. By helping individuals build confidence, experience and real routes into work, the programme also addresses skills shortages within the construction industry, supporting local employers to find motivated, work-ready candidates.

Whether you’re exploring construction for the first time or looking for a route into employment, Future Trades provides the skills, qualifications and support needed to move forward with confidence. To find out more about Future Trades or to apply, email working@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.