HMP Perth has become the first prison in Scotland to offer a civil engineering training programme for people in custody.
Established by the Civil Engineering Contractors Association Scotland (CECA), the CECA Scotland Academy was first launched in August 2023 to address the skills gap in the civil engineering sector.
In partnership with Fife College and South Lanarkshire College, the academy is being delivered inside a Scottish prison for the first time.
The programme is supported by CITB funding over four years, alongside additional backing from the Scottish Funding Council – which has helped to get the project off the ground in partnership with Scotland’s colleges.
The course is focused on practical, hands-on learning, with students working towards an SQA National Progression Award qualification in construction operations. CECA and the colleges will also ensure that students who complete are supported to interview with potential employers.
Fourteen individuals in custody at HMP Perth have now started the nine-month long training programme.
Tom Martin, head of offender outcomes at HMP Perth, said, “We know that those leaving custody often face significant barriers in entering the workforce and this is one of the main reasons that people struggle to break the cycle of offending.
“We work hard to offer a range of training and employability programmes to ensure individuals in our care can gain new skills, broaden their experience and better prepare them for the world of work.
“We are delighted to be working with CECA Scotland and their college partners to deliver an industry sponsored training programme within HMP Perth. Together, we can support individuals to achieve their full potential and successfully contribute to their communities on release.”
Grahame Barn, chief executive of the CECA Scotland Academy, added, “The launch of the CECA Scotland Academy at HMP Perth marks an important milestone — the first time a civil engineering training programme has been delivered inside a Scottish prison. The Academy was created to tackle the industry’s skills shortage and, in just over a year, we’ve established it across six colleges, with another coming on board in January 2026.
“By extending the opportunity into custody, we are opening new pathways into meaningful careers for people who might not otherwise have had the chance. With the strong support of our members and our college partners, we believe the Academy can change lives while also helping to build the workforce our industry needs for Scotland’s future.”
