Inverness and Dingwall school pupils learn new skills in construction industry
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A LOCAL building company is laying the foundations for a young and enthusiastic workforce through a new scheme.
Simpson Builders, SPW Management Solutions, Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) and Inverness Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to give six lucky pupils from Charleston Academy and Dingwall Academy the chance to gain qualifications and learn new skills.
Last week, they began a three-week Journey into Construction course that will take place in both Simpson’s in Beauly and SPW Management Solutions in Inverness.
Students will be taught first aid, manual handling and confidence building skills as well as taking part in mock interviews, and site visits.
By the end of the course they will have gained the CSCS Green Labourers card and QNUK level one award in health and safety in a construction environment and emergency First Aid and manual handing.
The company hopes it prepares young people for the world of work and helps them understand the range of construction apprenticeships on offer and available pathways.
Gordon Simpson, managing director of Simpson Builders, said: “Having started out my own journey into construction as an apprentice builder, I know the importance for the younger generation to be given an opportunity like this.
“Our Journey into Construction 2022 opportunity will give six students a first-hand experience of working within the construction industry, to allow them to see all the various roles involved in a successful business such as ours, as well as gaining first hand on the job experience.
“We are aiming to progress this to an annual event, tying in with Apprenticeship Week.
“We have always believed in encouraging apprentices into our industry, with 20 per cent of our workforce currently apprentices.
“I’m extremely proud of our company emphasis on the future of apprenticeships within the construction industry.
“I am also hopeful that when the local construction industry hears about our Journey into Construction programme that they too will take a leap of faith and encourage the youth into our wonderful industry by offering them similar opportunities.
“We are grateful to SPW, DYW, HCTG and CITB for their support in helping us move our vision for the Journey into Construction, into reality.”
