LOCKERBIE-based construction and manufacturing specialist Robinsons has welcomed a group of youngsters from Moffat Academy as part of the Developing the Young Workforce initiative.
The programme aims to strengthen links between businesses and education by encouraging and supporting employers to engage directly with schools and colleges and help prepare children for the world of work.
Robinsons chairman Jim Brown and MD Ryan Brown spoke to the pupils about the history of the firm, how it has grown, and the future opportunities that will be available. The youngsters received a tour of the facilities and met with each department within the business including marketing, sales, FarmFit, production and workshop, transport, and sister company CWP.
Ryan Brown, managing director at Robinsons said, “The lack of available skills within the marketplace is causing something of a headache currently, which makes it all the more important that we look after and retain our existing staff. We are looking to play a key role in addressing the issue by working with DYW and inviting young people from local schools to tours of our factory to strike a passion at a young age for the industry.”
Chairman Jim Brown added, “Young people think they need to go to the big city for all their career progression opportunities, but by letting them know they can stay here and have a fulfilling career on their doorstep is important to us. We enjoyed hosting our first group of pupils today.”
Justin Thomas, programme manager from DYW Dumfries commented, “This was a fantastic opportunity from Robinsons and highlights brilliantly what DYW DG is all about – adding value to what is already available to our region’s young people and helping to inform them of businesses, sectors, opportunities and career pathways thorough actually interacting with the workforce in the working environment.”
