TWO Glasgow residents are now employed full-time in the construction sector after completing an employability programme led by Robertson and West of Scotland Housing Association (WSHA).
William Purcell and Kieran McIntyre took part in the Trade Taster Employability Programme, which was open to local people not currently involved in education, employment or training, and provided industry-recognised qualifications as well as a guaranteed interview with Robertson.
William, a military veteran who was medically retired after being injured in Afghanistan, was subsequently offered a full-time role with Robertson’s construction business, and Kieran offered an apprenticeship within the facilities management division.
Kieran, who hopes to become a plumber, said, “I attended the Trade Taster Employability Programme as originally I was interested in joinery. However, having worked with the facilities management team, this has opened up a whole new world I didn’t know existed, and I am looking forward to completing a plumbing apprenticeship within Robertson’s FM business.”
William is working as labourer at The Hill House in Helensburgh, where Robertson is constructing ‘box’ that will envelop Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s famous building to protect it from the elements as part of the National Trust for Scotland’s restoration plans.
Maisie O’Brien, community & support services manager for West of Scotland Housing Association said, “As a social housing provider we go further to ensure that our tenants and local residents have increased chances to learn new skills and have access to employment opportunities. We work to maximise the community benefit in relation to our contracts and this is a great example of the positive impact that we can have on the lives of local people. I am delighted that two participants have benefited by securing employment with Robertson. We will continue to develop partnerships with organisations and local communities to offer our tenants additional employment opportunities.”
Gemma Gourlay, Robertson’s director of social sustainability added, “The WSHA partnership has proved to be a huge success, and a real example of partnership working, involving collaboration with our community development team, our construction business and a number of external bodies such as the Wise Group and Skills Development Scotland. We’ve also added two fantastic new employees to the business and helped make a difference to the lives of local people.”
