Building jobs for the future
Training course success
School leavers have been given the chance to launch their careers in construction after completing an e m p l o y a b i l i t y p ro g ramme to t a c k l e y o u t h unemployment in Ayrshire.
The industry- leading course, called Your Future Starts in Construction, was the first of its kind to be offered by public- private partnership hub South West and was specifically aimed at school pupils who chose to leave earlyputting them at greater risk of economic and social exclusion.
The course, supported by the Prince’s Trust, the Construction Industry Training Board, Keir C o n s t r u c t i o n a n d Ayrshire College, provided candidates with a unique insight into the huge range of career opportunities within the industry.
Former Prestwick Academy pupil Matthew Laverie told the Post: “I was not particularly looking forward to the programme but I really took a lot away from it.
“I now have the chance to study multi- trade construction at Ayrshire College.”
The other young men who completed the course include Taylor Jarvie from Auchinleck Academy and Barry McLaughlin from Prestwick Academy.
Hub South Wes t partnership enables cost- efficient design and construction of community facilities within South Wes t Scotland and aims to provide value for money and generate economic growth through a new method of partnership working and procurement.
Chief executive of hub South West, Michael McBrearty, said: “I am thrilled that the students were able to experience a working week on two of our current flagship projects in Ayrshire, the William McIlvanney Campus in Kilmarnock and Ayr Academy, and I wish them the best of luck with their future in the industry.”
Graeme Donaldson, Curriculum Manager for Trades at Ayrshire College, added: “This unique programme has given Ayrshire pupils a taste of what to expect from a career in construction.
“The college has supported the group every step of the way and the progress they have made in such a short space of time is outstanding.
“We h o p e t h e y continue to flourish in their construction journey, whether that’s at the college or in the workplace.”