ECITB Horizons Scottish Central Belt STEM School Engagement Programme (S2 pupils) Pilot

Scope and Background

The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) is seeking a delivery partner or consortium to support the design and / or implementation of a regional careers attraction and STEM engagement programme designed to strengthen the future talent pipeline for the Engineering Construction Industry (ECI). The programme aims to increase awareness and understanding of engineering construction careers among young people, educators, and local communities while supporting industry workforce requirements across key industrial regions.

The ECITB intends to appoint delivery partner(s) through a competitive tender process to design, coordinate, and deliver regional STEM engagement programmes. Successful providers will be responsible for engaging schools, employers, educators, and local stakeholders to deliver curriculum-aligned activities, facilitate employer involvement, provide teacher development opportunities, and establish effective regional partnerships that maximise programme reach and impact.

This opportunity is to appoint a partner to deliver our pilot programme within the Scottish Central Belt for S2 pupils. Submissions can be made by a single supplier or multiple as a consortium.

Target Audience

The primary target audience for programme delivery shall be pupils aged 13-14 years (S3 / Key Stage 3 equivalent).

Secondary audiences shall include:

Teachers and educators

School careers leaders and careers advisers

Local employers and industry representatives

Regional STEM networks and partner organisations

The Pilot contract will be for an initial term of 2.5 years from January 2027 with delivery from September 2027 across two academic years.

About the ECITB

The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) is the employer-led skills, standards and qualifications body for the development of the engineering construction workforce of Great Britain. An arms-length body of the UK Government, the ECITB reports to the Department for Education. Our vision is a trailblazing Engineering Construction Industry where critical infrastructure, energy security and net zero ambitions are achieved.

The ECITB works with employers and training providers to attract, develop and qualify the engineering construction workforce in a wide range of craft, technical and professional disciplines. We invest about £28 million each year to support skills development within the industry.

*** Expression of Interest are required from potential bidders to ensure there involvement in the clarifications/enquiries stage of the tender process. Please email: Procurement@ecitb.org.uk ***