Applications open for the Construction Workers’ Charitable Trust’s Construction Employability Award 2026/27

Organisations helping people build careers in construction are invited to apply for the Construction Employability Award (“the award”) 2026/27, offered by the Construction Workers Charitable Trust (formerly B&CE Charitable Trust) (the Trust)¹.

Now in its twelfth year, the award provides £25,000 in funding to a UK-based organisation that demonstrates a strong commitment to accredited training and employability in the construction sector².

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce (GCoC)³, last year’s recipient, used the funding to support Construction Aware, an initiative delivered through its Developing the Young Workforce Glasgow programme.

The element funded by the award, supported 272 young people, and was delivered in partnership with Glasgow City Council, the Trust, F.A.R.E, Landsec, Inspiring Scotland, and Wheatley Group. 

Created to address shortages and inspire young people to consider careers in construction, the programme gives secondary school pupils hands-on experience through site visits, employer-led challenges and industry-recognised qualifications, while showcasing career opportunities across the construction and built environment sector.

Now entering the third year of its first three-phase cycle, Construction Aware has already supported a total of 326 young people, engaged 36 employers, delivered 213 site visits and challenge activities, and provided almost 700 hours of vocational learning across 26 Glasgow schools. Following completion of Year 2, participants have progressed into apprenticeships, further education and other positive destinations, with a further 140 young people expected to join from September 2026. The award has been instrumental in making this possible, enabling the programme to connect more young people with real career opportunities in construction.

Nicola Sinclair, Head of the Trust, said: “I’m delighted to welcome applications for the Construction Employability Award once again. This award is about creating opportunity, breaking down barriers and helping people build rewarding careers in construction.
“The demand for skilled workers across the industry remains high, so it’s vital that we support organisations that are developing talent and creating clear pathways into the sector.

“It’s inspiring to see the difference this funding has made through projects such as Construction Aware, helping more people gain the skills, confidence and experience to succeed. We’re proud to continue supporting the organisations and projects that make a real difference in the construction industry, as we build on our purpose every day.”

Speaking about the impact of receiving the 2025/26 award, Richard Muir, Deputy Chief Executive at GCoC, said: “The award has been instrumental in helping Construction Aware expand its reach and impact across Glasgow. With the Construction Workers Charitable Trust’s support, we’ve been able to give young people access to industry experiences, accredited training, PPE, transport and mentoring they might not otherwise have had.

“The programme has boosted participants’ confidence and understanding of the opportunities available in construction. As we move into the next phase, we’re introducing progression routes into higher-level qualifications and CSCS certification, helping more young people build rewarding careers while supporting the future workforce the industry needs.”

Applications for the 2026/27 award open on September 1st, 2026, and close on October 1st, 2026. The winner will be announced in December 2026. Eligible organisations are encouraged to apply via the B&CE website and sign up to the newsletter for updates.

For further information, please contact the Charitable Trust press office or visit the award page.

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. The Construction Workers’ Charitable Trust (formerly B&CE Charitable Trust) was set up in 1991 to give back to the construction industry by providing help for people working in construction in times of need, including grants towards education, financial support and retraining. It has given out nearly £5 million in charitable donations over the past 35 years. Over the course of the last decade, the Trust has helped a wide range of businesses across the UK who’ve demonstrated their commitment to improving employability in construction, including mental health and wellbeing, mentoring to disadvantaged young people and youth unemployment.
   
   Earlier this year, the Trust changed its name from the B&CE Charitable Trust to the Construction Workers’ Charitable Trust, reinforcing its commitment to supporting construction workers and helping more people across the industry recognise and access services such as the Construction Worker Helpline.
   
   The name change reflects People’s Partnership’s purpose in action. For more than 80 years, the organisation has helped people build financial foundations for life. Through the Trust, it invests in initiatives that help people enter, remain and thrive in the construction industry, while supporting workforce wellbeing and strengthening the sector’s long-term future. The award is a key part of that mission and a powerful example of that commitment in practice.
2. The Construction Employability Award, offered by the Construction Workers’ Charitable Trust, is an annual £25,000 grant given to organisations that can demonstrate they’ll make a significant difference towards training and employability within construction. This grant helps organisations enable new talent in construction. The initiatives these organisations provide include trade-specific training, apprenticeships, and access to skills development. The grant also assists those who offer support around mental wellbeing and personal disadvantages in the workplace.
3. Since 1783, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce has promoted Glasgow as an excellent place to work, invest and visit. With over 1,000 members, the Chamber supports businesses of all sizes and sectors to achieve more. Whether it is supporting organisations to expand internationally, addressing local labour market needs, driving sustainable economic growth through climate initiatives, or lobbying Government to create the right economic environment to allow its members to flourish. Home | Championing Glasgow Since 1783 | Glasgow Chamber of Commerce
4. The Construction Worker Helpline offers free support and guidance in times of need. The freephone hotline is available between 8am and 8pm seven days a week and is accessible by calling 0808 801 0372. 
   
   For further details, please contact Sarah Puttock, Press Office Manager at the Charitable Trust on 01293 205004 or sarahputtock@peoplespartnership.co.uk.
   
   For GCoC-related interview requests, please contact Rachel Grant on rachel.grant@glasgowchamberofcommerce.com.