The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Building for future careers in Angus
Firms have praised a new scheme that provides young people with building blocks to enjoy careers in the construction industry.
The first batch of apprentices have reached the fourth month of their fouryear tenure on the Angus Shared Apprentice Programme (ASAP).
Grant Thomson, contracts manager at McGill Electrical in Dundee, said: “ASAP is a great opportunity for apprentices to explore all aspects of joinery via different employers.
“At McGill’s, we strive to give apprentices the best training we possibly can. As participants hone their skills, we would hope they become part of the valued team on site.
“The ASAP scheme is a terrific opportunity for future tradesmen and women to train and develop the skills necessary to enjoy a career in the construction industry.”
ASAP offers construction apprentices the chance to develop their skills with a range of different employers to gain the skill set required on the path to becoming fully qualified.
Councillor Paul Valentine, chairman of ASAP, said: “We are in the early stages of the project but already, bosses are saying they are extremely impressed with the apprentices who are spending time with them.
“ASAP is playing a key role in securing and developing the skills necessary to ensure the construction industry can enjoy a bright future.”
The programme is a collaboration between Angus Council, Dundee and Angus College, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and employers, and is supported by Skills Development Scotland.
Ryan Kennedy, 19, of Forfar, is splitting his time between college studies and on-site training at Milnbank Developments in the Angus town.
He said: “My apprenticeship has been great so far. I’m learning skills in bricklaying at the moment, which should set me up to enjoy a good career in the construction industry.
“I had always wanted to get into construction but this is such a good way of doing it because I get paid while I’m learning – and I’m getting a chance to work with local employers.”