Tuesday October 20th 2026
Alex Maclaren, Associate Executive Dean for Education and Student Life
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A new qualification designed to help secondary pupils pursue careers in engineering has been launched following a pilot programme involving four Midlothian schools.
Scotland’s Infrastructure Pathway has been developed by Heriot-Watt University and Midlothian Council, using technology from infrastructure engineering company Bentley Systems, to give young people practical experience of real-world engineering projects.
The programme was officially launched at Panmure House in Edinburgh on Monday, October 19, and aims to open up new routes into engineering for pupils across Scotland.
Piloted in four Midlothian schools in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University and the University of Glasgow, the pathway leads to a Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Level 6 qualification accepted by universities for engineering degree entry.
The initiative comes as Scotland prepares for billions of pounds of infrastructure investment and faces growing demand for skilled workers.
According to the Construction Industry Training Board, the construction industry needs around 2,590 additional workers each year until 2030.
At the heart of the pathway is an interactive digital model that allows pupils to explore how buildings, streets and energy networks operate.
Using a technology known as a digital twin, pupils can examine real-world data, investigate how much energy buildings use and see how renewable energy sources, including wind turbines, contribute to electricity supplies.
They can also test their own ideas using information about wind, water and energy, providing a practical approach to subjects such as engineering, maths and science.
The software runs through a web browser on devices already used in schools, including Chromebooks and iPads, making the technology accessible without the need for expensive specialist equipment.
Over an academic year, pupils work with universities and industry partners, including Mott MacDonald and SSE, on real engineering scenarios.
The qualification is recognised as equivalent to an A grade at Higher for entry to Heriot-Watt University’s civil and architectural engineering degrees.
Alex MacLaren, associate professor of architecture at Heriot-Watt University, said: “The Infrastructure Pathway is the result of three years of work by educators and industry leaders, side by side, to create something Scotland has never had before: a single, connected route from the primary classroom through secondary school, college, university and apprenticeships, and into employment.
“We believe it is the first initiative of its kind anywhere in the world. It was created by education and industry, for education and industry.
“At its heart is a new qualification, widely accepted by Scotland’s universities, which has pupils working directly with universities and industry partners on real infrastructure projects.
“Delivering a net zero economy, resilient communities and world-leading digital systems will need thousands of skilled people in engineering, construction, data, AI and environmental science, yet many young people have never been shown these careers. This pathway changes that.
“And because the curriculum is designed to evolve with industry, it will prepare young people for the world of work they will face in the future, not just the one that exists today.”
David Robertson, director of university and education partnerships at Bentley Systems, said: “What makes the Infrastructure Pathway special is that it puts real industry technology into pupils’ hands on the devices they already have, and connects what they learn directly to the careers that exist across Scotland’s infrastructure sector.
“Scotland is the ideal place to show what’s possible when education and industry work together at a national scale and this is a special project that will help increase education to talented students.”
Professor Nola Hewitt-Dundas, principal and vice-chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, said: “Scotland’s infrastructure and net zero ambitions depend on a new generation with the skills to deliver them.
“This pathway shows what can be achieved when universities, schools and industry work together to open up those careers to young people, wherever they live and whatever their background.
“This is a proud moment for all involved to create a pathway that connects education directly to the opportunities of the future.”
The partners aim to expand the programme to around 40 schools across Scotland next year, building on the initial pilot involving Midlothian schools.
Further events for schools and employers are planned in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee to introduce the pathway and encourage wider participation.
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