CRUDEN Group has reaffirmed its commitment to developing Scotland’s young workforce and bridging the construction industry’s skills gap with the intake of 25 new apprentices.
The new apprentices will be part of the 90-strong group of apprentices that Cruden has in training at any one time. The contractor said it was “proud to retain a strong focus on training and development across its group of companies”, with 12 going to Cruden Building in Glasgow and the other 13 taking positions at sister company, Hart Builders in Edinburgh.
The new recruits have started the four-year apprenticeship programme as joiners, painters, plumbers and bricklayers.
Allan Callaghan, managing director of Cruden Building said, “Through our Cruden Academy, we place a lot of emphasis on retaining and investing in our staff and we are proud to have a regular intake to our apprenticeship programme, employing the majority of our apprentices once they qualify.
“There is no doubt that there is a skills shortage problem, and the construction industry as a whole needs to play its part in tackling the issue. Collectively we must secure a skilled workforce that has the right motivation to future-proof this thriving industry.”
Andy Malice, managing director of Hart Builders added, “Cruden continues to offer one of the most sought after apprenticeship programmes in the industry and we are pleased that through our group of companies we can provide opportunities for young people across Scotland and not just on a regional basis.”
Apprentice bricklayer, Andrew Wilson, 17, said he was “delighted” to be accepted onto the programme. “I wasn’t enjoying school and my careers advisor recommended I went to a local jobs fair. As soon as I learned about Cruden’s apprenticeship programme I knew it would be a great opportunity for me. I was delighted when I was successful at my test and interview.
“My family are really proud of me and my friends are now keen to get into construction too. I’m really looking forward to getting on site and continue to learn throughout my career.”
