Scottish MSPs Attend Construction School Skills Demonstration

The slating portion of the event was run with support from NFRC Member Kerr Roofing & Building (Ayr) Ltd. The two-day event aimed to inspire young people to consider careers in the construction industry by giving them the chance to learn and try out practical, industry-related tasks. 

Attending the showcase were two Members of the Scottish Parliament—Sharon Dowey MSP and Siobhian Brown MSP—who both took the opportunity to speak with participating students, teachers, and local businesses, as well as try their hand at some of the demonstrations themselves. 

Sharon Dowey MSP shared her enthusiasm on Facebook, saying: 

“It was great to visit Prestwick Academy today for their Construction Skills Demonstration event. I enjoyed watching the young people engage with the practical tasks, as well as having a go myself, and learning more about the industries from local employers. Thank you to the school and the Ayrshire Construction Training Group for facilitating this event, as well as the local businesses that took part.”

Siobhian Brown MSP echoed these sentiments when she told the Ayr Advertiser: 

“It was great to see young people and employers working together in hands-on skills workshops. A brilliant opportunity for students to learn and get inspired for future careers in construction. Fantastic work by everyone involved—such an important initiative for our young people and thanks to the local businesses who are involved. And I enjoyed the practical tasks myself.” 

Local employers who NFRC worked with to provide interactive sessions included McTaggart Construction, Go Wright Stonemason, and National Demolition Training Groups—each demonstrating different construction techniques and discussing the diverse career pathways their industries offer. Through these demonstrations, students gained practical experience in trades such as roofing, stonemasonry, and demolition, while having the chance to ask questions and receive guidance from skilled professionals. 

Andy Kerr, Operations Director for Kerr Roofing & Building (Ayr) Ltd. who took part in the day, said “It’s always a delight to deliver these much needed skills demonstrations to youngsters to hopefully give them a better understanding of how the roofing industry works and how it can be a great career for years to come”. 

Scott Miller, NFRC Board Member, NFRC Scotland Regional Chairman and Managing Director of Compass Roofing Ltd, commented on the importance of showcasing construction and roofing skills in a school environment: 

“Events like this not only inform the next generation about the variety of career opportunities available in construction but also allow local businesses to engage with and potentially nurture future apprentices and employees. We are delighted that MSPs Sharon Dowey and Siobhian Brown could attend and see the students’ enthusiasm for themselves.” 

The positive response from pupils, staff, and industry professionals highlighted the success of the two-day initiative. Through these collaborative efforts, NFRC and its members hope to encourage more young people to explore pathways into the construction sector, paving the way for a skilled workforce and a bright future for the industry in Scotland. 

NFRC Scotland will be hosting another Skills Demonstration on the lawns of Scottish Parliament on the 14th and 15th of May, as well as a Parliamentary Reception celebrating the initiative titled “A Blueprint for Scotland's Emerging Construction Talent” on June 3rd.  

Following on from the event, Sharon Dowey MSP submitted the following motion, which received cross party support from the Conservatives, Labour and SNP, on March 4th.  

“That the Parliament welcomes the first South Ayrshire "Build Your Future" event, held at Prestwick Academy on 25-26 February 2025; understands that the event featured industry businesses demonstrating construction skills, including masonry, roof slating, demolition and health and safety; further understands that the event was a collaboration through the Ayrshire Construction Training Group, with support from Kerr Roofing & Building (Ayr) Ltd, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, Go-Wright Ltd, Stone Federation GB, Developing the Young Workforce, National Demolition Training Group, McTaggart Construction, Scottish Traditional Building Forum and South Ayrshire Council; recognises that the event aims to raise the profile of the options available to young people when considering a career in the construction industry; believes that the event highlighted the collaborative approach of these organisations to address the skills gaps in the sector, and notes that the event is part of a longer relationship with the Ayrshire Construction Training Group and Prestwick Academy, which aim to deliver the Construction Skills Certification Scheme to learners, further supporting young people into employment after school.”