YOUNGSTERS have been recognised for their performanecs at the Construction and Built Environment Challenge (CABEC) Final in Edinburgh.
Run by the Scottish Electrical Training Charity (SECTT), the initiative is celebrating its 25th anniversary and a proud history of bringing together pupils, educators, and industry partners for a high-energy event designed to showcase the breadth of careers in construction, engineering, and building services engineering.
The CABEC Final – held on Thursday 5th of February at Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange – concluded with awards recognising outstanding teamwork, problem-solving, and practical skills. Firrhill High School took the top prize with Boroughmuir High School being named first runner-up, and Holyrood RC High School taking second runner-up honours.
Featuring 10 interactive challenge stations – created and delivered by schools, colleges, universities, and training partners – the CABEC final involved pupils taking part in practical, theoretical, and team-based activities reflecting real-world scenarios and the STEM skills used daily across the built environment.
The event was opened by Fiona Harper, chief executive of SECTT, which supports the training of around 3,000 electrical installation apprentices and adult trainees across Scotland.
Speaking at the CABEC Final, Fiona Harper said, “CABEC has been running for an incredible 25 years. We’ve had thousands of students try their hand at different trades and many have gone on to have jobs and careers in our industry – and that’s something we are all very proud of.
“The brilliant thing about the skills students are learning about today is that they’re portable. Whether you end up in electrical, plumbing, engineering, design, surveying or project management – these are the kinds of skills they take you anywhere in the world. As the world changes and technology develops there are many areas of work that are changing, including ours, but one thing is clear, we will always need tradespeople to build things and make them safe.
“I want to stay a huge thanks to our providers, sponsors schools and pupils. Together they made the competition a huge success. Congratulations also to our winners and runners up, you’ve all done yourself so proud.”
Alan Wilson, MD of SELECT, Scotland’s largest trade association and the campaigning body for the country’s electrotechnical sector, added, “Once again, we are extremely proud to sponsor CABEC, which is always a highlight in our calendar. It’s truly inspiring to see so many youngsters trying their hand at the vital skills that keep our lights burning and our country building.
“There are so many incredible opportunities on offer in construction and the built environment and I have no doubt that this event inspires our young people to consider a career in our sector year after year. Well done to all of those who took part, congratulations to the prize winners and a huge thanks to all those behind the scenes who help make CABEC happen.”
CABEC aims to help young people see how STEM subjects translate into meaningful, practical careers – from powering and maintaining buildings, to improving safety, energy efficiency and comfort in homes, schools and workplaces.
Challenge stations showcased careers across construction and building services
CABEC activities included themed challenges such as:
- Arch Rival (hosted by SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College))
- Bright Sparks Electrical challenge (hosted by SECTT)
- Roofing challenge (hosted by Edinburgh College)
- Teapot Heat challenge (from Heriot-Watt University)
CABEC’s partner providers for the final included:
- Edinburgh College – Ryan Deigan and team
- Edinburgh Napier University – Dr Mark Taylor and Dr Andrew Livingston
- Heriot-Watt University – Professor David Jenkins
- SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College) – Colin Bell and team
- West Lothian College – Graeme Binnie and team
- SNIPEF Training Services Ltd – Alex Guthrie and team
- SECTT – David Stebbings and Jim Birrell
CABEC organisers also thanked sponsors supporting the event and helping make the final possible:
- Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) – Ian Hughes, Strategic Director Scotland
- Federation of Master Builders (FMB) – Gordon Nelson, Director Scotland
- SELECT – Alan Wilson, Managing Director
- SNIPEF – Stephanie Lowe, Deputy CEO
