Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Teenagers kicking off exciting new tiling career
Two Coatbridge teenagers are kicking off new careers after scoring vital support from a dedicated trade tutor – and from the charity run by Scotland captain Andrew Robertson.
Jamie Spencer and Zak Armstrong have just completed training to become tilers thanks to Robert Crawford, the founder of Coatbridge-based DIY Trade School.
Described as “a real community champion”, Robert runs skills sessions for young people facing barriers to employment and provided a full tiling training course free of charge for the two 19-year-olds.
He then contacted the footballer’s newly-launched AR26 charity, which immediately took action by providing vouchers allowing Jamie and Zak to purchase the tools needed to pursue their new career.
Each was presented with the vital £300 vouchers at Glasgow trade centre Stax, where Robert was on hand to help them choose useful items as they get started in their new full-time tiling jobs.
Launched in November, the footballer’s charity consists of three core projects to support young people, entitled Football for All, Lifechanging Experiences and Hope for Youths.
The latter strand aims to “promote positive and supported pathways to further education or employment” and responded positively when Robert got in touch to seek support for the two new trainees.
AR26 charity representative Amanda Nisanci said: “The time and effort Robert devotes freely to support young people in gaining valuable skills to tackle youth unemployment is truly
admirable.
“He’s a real positive community contributor and trains as many young unemployed people as possible when time and resources allow, and really equips
participants with the knowledge and confidence to set them on a positive pathway and break down barriers of unemployment.
“We were delighted to join him in supporting Jamie and Zak with
the resources they required to embark on their tiling career – we wish them the best for their future and look forward to following their journey.”
She added that the good
cause is “passionate about the young person’s guarantee”, which offers the opportunity of a job, placement, training or volunteering for everyone in Scotland aged 16 to 24.