FALKIRK school pupils have become the first in Scotland to complete Balfour Beatty’s Big Design Challenge, which aims to give young people a taste of what it’s like to work on a major infrastructure project.
Pupils from Braes, Denny, Graeme, Grangemouth, Falkirk, and Larbert high schools were tasked with designing a new road connecting Falkirk, Grangemouth, and Stenhousemuir.
Although the road was fictitious, the process of designing was very real – with the pupils working in teams over seven weeks to scope out their projects, calculate timescales, balance costs, and consider sustainability.
As well as school-based learning, the challenge also provided senior pupils with a unique opportunity to visit a live construction site and meet Balfour Beatty’s team at the A9/A904 project site, which the contractor is currently delivering on behalf of Falkirk Council.
They also worked with industry experts who visited their schools to give them advice and insight into the construction industry.
Paul Kettrick, head of investment, assets, and climate at Falkirk Council, said, “We embed community benefits into our contracts to ensure projects like Westfield go beyond roads, creating opportunities with a lasting impact. The Big Design Challenge perfectly demonstrates how large-scale works can inspire and develop young people, showing these projects are about more than infrastructure – they’re about building futures.”
Megan Simms, social impact manager at Balfour Beatty, added, “We’ve built a fantastic partnership with local high schools, DYW school coordinators, and the DYW regional team, who bring a dynamic and innovative approach to achieving the best outcomes for their pupils. Together, we wanted to create a series of projects that encourage critical thinking, teamwork and an understanding of the wide variety of careers available in construction – and that’s how the challenge was born!”
The challenge culminated in an event at Falkirk High School, where the teams presented their designs to members of Falkirk Council’s invest team and employment training unit and Balfour Beatty.
While there was no winning team or trophies, the challenge encouraged the pupils to think big, balance risks and build confidence – all while getting a taste of what it takes to deliver infrastructure projects that shape communities, just like the A9/A904 Westfield Improvements Work.
Lewis, one of the S5 Denny High School pupils who took part in the challenge, said it helped him develop his skills, before adding, “I’ll be able to use these experiences in my cover letters and interviews for apprenticeships.”
While Adam, an S6 pupil at Braes High School said, “Going down to the A9/A904 improvements construction site has inspired and motivated me to get into the construction industry. I am planning on applying for an apprenticeship with Balfour Beatty and I would love the opportunity to work with them in the future.”
