“"This is a great initiative and will be a wonderful learning experience for the pupils. A huge thanks to Morgan Sindall and their partners for organising and their continued support. The new Campus is progressing really well but it’s much more than a new building. It’s about investing in the future and creating opportunities for local people. This work experience programme gives young people a fantastic opportunity to see first-hand how a major construction project is delivered, while learning from industry professionals and developing skills that could support future careers. Importantly, it helps these young people feel part of the journey of creating this exciting new campus. They can see the development taking shape, understand the work involved and take pride in knowing they have played a role in a project that will serve the community for generations to come."
Pupils Gain Construction Experience at New Ardrossan Community Campus
Work experience programme offers hands-on insight into the construction industry for secondary school pupils.
By Kirsty Lennox
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of a construction site for a new community campus in Scotland, with young people observing the progress.
Senior pupils from Ardrossan Academy and Kilwinning Academy are gaining practical experience in the construction industry through a new work experience programme connected to the development of the Ardrossan Community Campus.
The initiative, launched by construction partner Morgan Sindall Construction, aims to provide young people with valuable insight into the diverse careers available within the sector. Over the next 10 months, pupils will participate in a structured programme of activities, workshops, and site visits, working alongside the Morgan Sindall project team and its supply chain partners as construction progresses.
Ten pupils from Ardrossan Academy and eight from Kilwinning Academy have already signed up, with further recruitment planned. The programme focuses on inspiring the next generation of construction professionals by offering real-world experience in construction management and various trades, with an emphasis on health and safety, design, and project delivery. Pupils have already attended an induction session and an engineering-focused workshop.
The new Ardrossan Community Campus is a significant investment in education and community infrastructure for North Ayrshire. Beyond modern learning and community facilities, the project is generating local employment opportunities through apprenticeships, training, and community engagement initiatives.
Rachael Topping, Learning and Development Adviser at Morgan Sindall Construction Scotland, highlighted the importance of connecting young people with the industry. "Giving young people the opportunity to connect with industry is so important, and this programme allows us to do just that – sharing our advice and expertise with pupils from Ardrossan Academy and Kilwinning Academy as they take their first steps towards exploring a career in construction," she stated.
She added, "Over the coming months, we’re looking forward to showing them the breadth of roles our industry has to offer, from engineering and site management to design and project delivery. We’ll also support them with any next steps they wish to take, including sessions on CV writing and interview skills, so they feel confident and prepared. None of this would be possible without the support of our supply chain, and we’re incredibly grateful to them for helping bring this programme to life. Their involvement means these pupils are learning from a wide range of professionals, giving them a genuinely rounded insight into what a future in construction could look like."
Based on information from the official source: North Ayrshire Council (12/11/2026)
