The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Construction Academies helping build careers
Agroup of young adults have been improving their chances of finding work, thanks to an innovative fiveweek Construction Sector Skills Academy.
Fife Council Employability Services is leading on the delivery of another successful Construction Academy in partnership with Fife College and Fifebased employers.
The academies are delivered by the Fife Council-funded Fife Job Contract.
The funding seeks to address high levels of unemployment and to reduce the skills gap within industry sectors.
Academy candidates gain relevant skills and knowledge of the construction industry.
The employability academies enable young people have the support and assistance they need from start to finish, ensuring that they get on the career ladder.
While at Fife Council’s Skills Development Conference Centre in Kirkcaldy, participants received health and safety training, including information on abrasive wheels and asbestos awareness, culminating in the completion of their Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards.
The candidates also received disability awareness training and employability skills support.
Working in partnership with Job Centre Plus and Fife College, candidates also gained City & Guilds certificates in painting and decorating and groundworks.
Service manager Lucinda McAllister said: “We work tirelessly with our partners to ensure young adults have the skills they need to start their career.
“This Construction Academy has given these young adults the opportunity to access Modern Apprenticeships in the construction sector.
“The Employability Team works with course participants after their work experience to ensure they find their way to employment.
“Our candidates will have the vital skills that construction employers are looking for.”
Councillor Altany Craik, Economy, Tourism, Strategic Planning and Transportation Committee convener, said: “Continuing to successfully boost employment for local people is a top priority for Fife Council.
“Construction Academies, now in their sixth year, are a very successful approach to providing skills, knowledge and recognised certificates. This allows our young people to be better prepared for the world of work and a career in construction.
“Local employers have provided an essential contribution by providing handson work experience.
“Our sincere thanks go out to Adrian Scott Joinery, Thomas Menzies Builders, Block Build, Craig Adam Joinery, Realm Construction, East Fife Joinery, Michael Rees Painters, Scott & Simpson, Bedborough Construction and Campion Homes.”
Construction Academy participant Justin Yule said: “The academy has been really good and I have learned a lot. My placement was great with Thomas Menzies, as they gave me lots of different experiences in stone masonry, bricklaying and in their workshops.
“I am pleased to be getting a chance to start my career with them.
“I’d recommend the academy as a great place to start for anyone looking to work in construction.”
Daniel Dobbs, who had a placement with Adrian Scott Joinery, said: “The academy was a good experience and I would highly recommend this for someone wanting to go into construction.”
If you would like more information about entering a career in construction, visit opportunitiesfife.org.