ROBERTSON has been praised by the Scottish Government’s employability and training minister for its role in helping to address the skills gap currently engulfing the construction industry.
Jamie Hepburn MSP recently visited the Pennywell regeneration project in Edinburgh, where hundreds of affordable homes are being created by Robertson Partnership Homes for Urban Union.
During the visit he met apprentice Laura Docherty, working as an assistant site manager for Robertson Partnership Homes. She became the the 100th employee to the business.
Robertson said the recent growth of Robertson Partnership Homes stems from the decision to carry out trade works, including joinery, plumbing and electrical works. This has led to the employment of 40 joiners, eight apprentices and a number of general managers.
Employability Minister Jamie Hepburn said, “Congratulations to Robertson Partnership Homes who have actively taken steps to address the skills gaps they have identified within their business. This is exactly the type of approach that is benefiting our economy and is in line with the Scottish Government’s commitment to making sure our skills system is aligned with employer needs.”
Stewart Shearer, managing director of Robertson Partnership Homes added, “Due to the current labour shortages within the industry, we decided that in order to secure the correct resources for our pipeline we had to employ our own in-house trades.
“The current skills gap is threatening to derail the wider built environment industry, and we’re working as a priority to help address this. As well as joiners, we are currently recruiting for plumbers and electricians across all regions, and will also be offering eight further apprenticeships in 2018.”
