Innovative scheme helps teen land an apprenticeship with leading construction firm
THE construction sector in the UK is one of the country’s leading economic drivers. However, a perceived shortage of skilled professionals is becoming a challenge for a field that relies on its workforce more than most.
In Scotland, the construction industry is healthy and growing, with continued housing demands – especially in highly populated areas.
To meet this need and help people get on the property ladder, the British Government has set lofty ambitions of delivering an average of 300,000 homes a year in the UK by the mid-2020s.
With the upcoming Brexit, it is uncertain what effect this may have on the construction industry and, within the sector, the fear is that the Government’s immigration plans post-Brexit could be problematic as the country needs manual labourers.
But one scheme in Lanarkshire is helping people find work in a wide range of industries, including construction.
And Dominic Lunny, 17, is one of those who has found a role within the house building and construction industry thanks to the innovative project.
North Lanarkshire’s Working or NL Working, as it is known, helps people in the area find a variety of new jobs in a career choice that works for them.
The successful service sees the team at NL Working help anyone who is over 16, unemployed and finding it difficult to secure work in the local authority area.
And construction roles is one of the potential jobs that NL Working is focussing in on 2020.
School-leaver Dominic did not want to go on to further education and, when he heard about NL Working, he contacted them about their Routes to Work project.
His goal was to find a job where he could use his practical skills.
Through the scheme, Dominic embarked on confidence-building courses, developed his CV, and was helped to improve his interview skills.
Subsequently, he has been successful in receiving a position as an apprentice plumber with major construction firm Cruden – a role he is enjoying and excelling in.
And a lot of his work focusses on plumbing new houses being built in the area.
Dominic said: “Before I started here, I had no idea where I would get a job, as school just wasn’t for me.
“I am delighted with the support I received from North Lanarkshire’s Working as it has given me confidence and opened up opportunities for me.
“The ability to make a full-time wage right out of school is a massive benefit, as well as the opportunity to go to college once a week.
“I am now looking forward to many more years with Cruden and want to thank Routes to Work for the support they have given me to get into this job.”
Paul Boland, from Cruden, said: “Dominic started in August as a plumber apprentice through our Cruden Academy, as part of our annual intake, and is one of 14 new recruits.
“He is progressing exceptionally well and I would like to take this opportunity to thank North Lanarkshire’s Working and Routes to Work for their screening process, which produced excellent candidates.”