Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Investing in future
Firm’s award for working with young people
A Baillieston- based housing developer has scooped a top national award – and received a congratulatory visit from Scotland’s Employability and Training Minister marking their achievement.
The firm Lovell has received the Investors in Young People (IIYP) Gold Accreditation – Scotland’s only people management award focusing on businesses’ recruitment and retention of youths – recognising its outstanding work in employing and training its young team members.
Employability and Training Minister Jamie Hepburn visited Lovell’s company offices at the Glasgow Business Park to present staff with the prestigious prize.
Mr Hepburn hailed the firm’s success, saying afterwards: “Lovell’s Gold Investors in Young People award is a thoroughly deserved accolade, recognising Lovell’s passionate commitment to developing its young workforce and supporting youth employment more generally.
“The Scottish Government has genuine confidence in the positive role that young people play in supporting economic growth. We firmly believe that they are a crucial part of Scotland’s future prosperity.
“I am delighted to announce that Scottish Government will continue to support the implementation of the Investors in Young People accolade for employers, with funding of £200,000 for 2016/17.”
During his visit, the minister spoke to young members of the Lovell team, including 23-year-old quantity surveyor Kerrie Lee.
Kerrie joined the company following a six-month placement with Lovell during her university quantity surveying degree.
“After my placement finished, Lovell employed me part-time while I completed my degree and I then joined the company full-time after graduating in July 2015,” Kerrie said.
“It’s been great. I came in without a lot of experience but received a huge amount of support and the experience I gained was very helpful with my university work.
“The company was very accommodating and willing to fit in around my schedule. I don’t think I’d be where I am today without their support.”
Lovell contract manager Allister Duff said: “It’s fantastic that the priority we place on recruiting young people and helping them develop careers with the company has been recognised by the Scottish Government and by the presentation of this leading award.
“Bringing young people into the business and enabling them to flourish is crucial to our continuing success as well as vital for the industry as a whole.
“We do everything we can to encourage more young people into construction, equip them with the right skills and provide them with ongoing guidance and support to help them progress and succeed.
“As a company working on some of Scotland’s most high-profile housing schemes, we are able to offer a wide range of experience to our recruits and give them the training they need to develop highly rewarding careers in the industry.”
Peter Russian, chief executive of Investors in People Scotland, added: “Congratulations to Lovell on gaining IIYP Gold accreditation.
“Having supported the organisation since 2004 through Investors in People and IIYP, it’s great to see them flourish.”