A housebuilder will give apprentices at least 10% of posts on major new projects proposed for Dundee and Perth.
Springfield Properties made the commitment following concern by the Federation of Master Builders that a skills shortage is threatening the recovery of the Scottish construction industry.
Construction workloads are increasing after the recession, and more opportunities are opening for the building trades.
A shortage of available bricklayers, joiners, electricians and plumbers could threaten the resurgence, and industry leaders want action to raise the number of apprenticeships.
Springfield is to build almost 600 homes at Dykes of Gray on Dundee’s Western Gateway, and has proposed a 3,000-home development at Bertha Park on the outskirts of Perth.
The projects, worth many millions of pounds, will provide work for hundreds of tradespeople.
Springfield managing director Innes Smith said: “Investment in young people is essential for the future of any industry. Construction has failed to invest enough in apprenticeships, and with a loss of skilled workers to other industries during the downturn, you pay the price in a skills shortage.
“Springfield has always valued apprenticeships and has focused on having at least 10% of the workforce apprenticed. The same policy will apply at Dykes of Gray and at Bertha Park.
“We’ll be investing in local young people, who will learn the skills it takes to build a high-quality home.
“With 30 to 40 years’ work between Dundee and Perth developments, these new young apprentices are key to Springfield’s future success.”