Thumbs-up for construction careers showcase from MSP
NICOLA FINDLAY
A construction careers showcase received backing from Central Scotland MSP Graham Simpson.
Secondary students from different high schools in Glasgow and the wider area attended an event in the city organised by the Academy for Construction People on the second day of Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2020.
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 one 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 Graham Simpson, Paul Mitchell from Scottish Building Federation and John Keenan from CITB with the event chaired by Ian Main, chairman of the Academy Steering Group.
Graham 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, civils 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 provides just that to them.”
Paul Mitchell from the Scottish Building Federation said: “At the Scottish Building Federation, we have always supported initiatives which raise awareness of the fantastic apprenticeships opportunities available in the industry.”