Construction school builds future skills

A Glasgow contracting and insulation company has launched a training academy for construction workers to tackle the sector’s skills shortage.

Barrhead-based firm AC Whyte & Co developed the 12-month course, in partnership with West College Scotland, to train external wall insulation installers.

The programme, which combines classroom-based teaching with on-the-jobtraining, was launched yesterday at an event attended by finance secretary Derek Mackay and local MSPS Tom Arthur and Stuart Mcmillan.

The company hopes that the course model can be adapted to other areas and sectors to address skills shortages and job opportunities across the labour market.

Jennifer Phin, managing director at AC Whyte, said the course will help create a sustainable, local workforce.

She added: “The wider construction industry has faced the challenge of a skills shortage for some time and recently we have found fewer young, local people entering the labour market looking for this type of work.

“Many are unaware of the opportunities available to them and we have to be more proactive than ever before in reaching out to people in the communities where we operate.”

The first 12 candidates will begin their training at West College Scotland’s Greenock campus later this month.

Those who successfully complete the formally-accredited course will receive guaranteed full-time, permanent employment with AC Whyte. 0 Jennifer Phin: ‘We have to be more proactive’