New Engineering Pathway Launched for Scottish Pupils
Heriot-Watt University and Midlothian Council collaborate on a pioneering qualification using Bentley Systems software to inspire future engineers.
By Kirsty Lennox
••3 min read
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Generic image of a digital twin interface on a tablet screen, displaying a 3D model of city infrastructure.
A new qualification, developed by Heriot-Watt University and Midlothian Council, is set to provide a fresh route into engineering for secondary pupils across Scotland, utilising software from Bentley Systems.
The Scotland's Infrastructure Pathway, launched yesterday at Panmure House in Edinburgh, offers young people hands-on experience with real-world infrastructure through an interactive 3D digital model. This initiative addresses the growing need for skilled workers in the construction and engineering sectors, with Scotland planning £11.1 billion in infrastructure investment and requiring approximately 2,590 new workers annually by 2030.
Piloted in four Midlothian schools with the support of the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University, and in association with the University of Glasgow, the pathway leads to an SCQF Level 6 qualification, accepted for engineering degree entry. The programme aims to expand to around 40 schools across Scotland next year.
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"The Infrastructure Pathway is the result of three years of work by educators and industry leaders, side by side, to create something Scotland has never had before: a single, connected route from the primary classroom through secondary school, college, university and apprenticeships, and into employment.
We believe it is the first initiative of its kind anywhere in the world. It was created by education and industry, for education and industry.
At its heart is a new qualification, widely accepted by Scotland's universities, which has pupils working directly with universities and industry partners on real infrastructure projects.
Delivering a net zero economy, resilient communities and world-leading digital systems will need thousands of skilled people in engineering, construction, data, AI and environmental science, yet many young people have never been shown these careers. This pathway changes that.
And because the curriculum is designed to evolve with industry, it will prepare young people for the world of work they will face in the future, not just the one that exists today."
Central to the pathway is a 'digital twin', a 3D computer model of buildings, streets, and energy networks. Developed using Bentley Systems' Cesium software, initially for Heriot-Watt's campus decarbonisation efforts, this model allows pupils to visualise energy usage, simulate renewable energy integration, and test ideas using real-time data on wind, energy, and water.
This hands-on approach, accessible via standard web browsers on school devices like Chromebooks and iPads, aims to engage pupils who may not excel in traditional maths and science. Industry partners, including Mott MacDonald and SSE, are also involved, with the qualification counting as an A at Higher for entry to Heriot-Watt's civil and architectural engineering degrees.
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"What makes the Infrastructure Pathway special is that it puts real industry technology into pupils' hands on the devices they already have, and connects what they learn directly to the careers that exist across Scotland's infrastructure sector.
Scotland is the ideal place to show what's possible when education and industry work together at a national scale and this is a special project that will help increase education to talented students."
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"Scotland’s infrastructure and net zero ambitions depend on a new generation with the skills to deliver them.
This pathway shows what can be achieved when universities, schools and industry work together to open up those careers to young people, wherever they live and whatever their background.
This is a proud moment for all involved to create a pathway that connects education directly to the opportunities of the future."
Following the launch, partners will host events for schools and employers in Edinburgh (Tuesday 20 October), Glasgow (Wednesday 21 October), Aberdeen (Thursday 29 October), and Dundee (Friday 30 October).
