International construction services company ISG has agreed to 'Adopt a School' as part of an industry-wide initiative by Class of Your Own (COYO) to inspire a new generation of built environment professionals.

Buile Hill Visual Arts College in Salford has been adopted by the company for two years, during which time ISG will work closely with staff and students to augment classroom teaching with mentoring support, on-site experience and work placement opportunities.

The COYO "Adopt a School" scheme brings together academia with leading built environment specialists to sponsor the 'Design Engineer Construct!' learning programme – which gives students a fully accredited Level 1 and 2 qualification (equivalent to one GCSE) in the subject, after which they can progress to study the A-level equivalent Level 3 qualification with UCAS points. ISG will help enrich the learning experience with staff taking an active participation in the curriculum, sharing knowledge and expertise and facilitating educational visits to live construction projects.

Committed to supporting the communities where it works, ISG's decision to partner with Buile Hill Visual Arts College means that students can benefit from the shared experiences of staff working on many of the region's highest profile projects, including the Belle Vue Sports Village, the new Exhibition Centre Liverpool development and the Whitworth Art Gallery extension.

David Coyne, Head of Technology at Buile Hill Visual Arts College, commented: "We are thrilled to have this opportunity to work closely with ISG to develop a new generation of construction professionals. Our students have high aspirations and we are confident that this innovative partnership will directly benefit the outcomes of our hardworking students and have a lasting positive legacy for the Salford community".

Class of Your Own managing director, Alison Watson, added: "I'm delighted that ISG has joined the growing number of industry organisations supporting our Adopt a School scheme. The Design Engineer Construct! curriculum provides students with a solid grounding in the technical skills demanded by the modern construction industry, including digital design, Building Information Modelling (BIM) and facilities management tools. Couple this with maths-based practical skills, such as land and quantity surveying, and you have a really well-rounded young professional.

"Addressing the skills shortage and attracting the very brightest and creative young minds into the built environment sector is essential to the health and vibrancy of this critical UK industry".

Danny Murray, ISG's Northern regional managing director, said: "By sharing the collective experiences and expertise of our professional team and using the cutting-edge digital technologies that are ubiquitous in the industry, these students will gain an unparalleled insight into 21st century construction. The built environment is one of the most important factors in our everyday lives and we hope to inspire a new generation of talented young people to consider a career in this highly-dynamic, exciting and rewarding industry".