APPRENTICES at the University of Glasgow kicked-off Scottish Apprenticeship Week with a visit from the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy and Fair Work, Derek Mackay.
During a visit to university’s £1 billion Campus Development Programme, Mr Mackay welcomed the launch of an Apprentice Committee, which has been set up by principal contractor Multiplex to provide a platform for apprentices to direct their own development, promote opportunities for training and networking, and enhance representation within the workforce.
There are currently 35 apprentices working on the Campus Development Programme in a range of construction roles. The Cabinet Secretary toured the site and met with apprentices who work for the university’s estates team, as well engineers, SES, and demolition company Dem-Master.
The University of Glasgow is investing £1 billion in developing its estate over the next decade, including the construction of a new campus on the site of the former Western Infirmary.
Mr Mackay said, “Apprenticeships play a vital role in improving Scotland’s productivity by benefiting individuals, employers and the wider economy as a whole. It’s for this reason the Scottish Government is continuing to invest in apprenticeship opportunities, ensuring work-based learning is available to as wide a portion of the population as possible. Scottish Apprenticeship Week is a fantastic opportunity to see the excellent work being done by our Apprentices, and the valuable experience they are gaining in their industries.”
Ann Allen, executive director of estates & commercial services at the University of Glasgow added, “Our Campus Development Programme is the largest construction project at the University in 150 years. As with all major construction projects, our success is reliant on recruiting new and diverse talent, with apprenticeships playing a key role in this. It is fitting that today, as we mark the start of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, our lead contractor, Multiplex, has committed to further improve the support we offer apprentices by convening the first Apprenticeship Committee on the Campus Development Programme.”
Ian Taggart, Multiplex project director said, “Having joined the construction industry as an apprentice I understand the value in providing apprenticeships. The industry requires practical skills more than ever and I am pleased that Multiplex are able to support new apprenticeship opportunities through the Campus Development Programme. Apprenticeships can offer potential for people to continue to develop they’re their skills and become industry leaders for the future.”
