Thumbs up from MSP for careers showcase

IAN BUNTING

A construction careers showcase received backing from Central Scotland MSP Graham Simpson.

Secondary students from high schools attended an event in Glasgow organised by the Academy for Construction People on the second day of Scottish Apprenticeship Week.

Young people aged 11 to 13 were shown demonstrations of specialist construction applications such as drones, setting out and levelling techniques and asbestos removal simulations through to health and safety skills such as first aid procedures.

The event, hosted on behalf of the Scottish Specialist Contractors, Scottish Demolition Contractors and Scottish Civil Engineering training groups, was among the many activities taking place across the country in a national campaign to display the training and employment opportunities offered through modern apprenticeships.

The construction industry and its related trades account for a quarter of all apprenticeships taking place in Scotland and career events promoting the wide variety of opportunities available in construction have been well received by the industry and the Scottish Parliament.

Pupils were joined by Tory MSP Mr Simpson, Paul Mitchell from the Scottish Building Federation and John Keenan from CITB with the event chaired by Ian Main, chairman of the Academy Steering Group.

Mr Simpson said: “I was delighted to attend this event and support the great work that has been done to raise awareness of the career opportunities accessible through apprenticeships in the specialist, civil and demolition sectors of the construction industry.

“I believe it is important that all young people are aware of all the possibilities and pathways to develop their skills and professions, and I think that campaigns like Scottish Apprenticeship Week provide just that to them.”

Paul Mitchell added: “At the Scottish Building Federation, we have always supported initiatives which raise awareness of the fantastic apprenticeships opportunities available in the industry.”

Backing Mr Simpson was “delighted” to attend the Academy for Construction People event