AYRSHIRE College and Taylor Wimpey West Scotland are collaborating on two new courses starting at the Ayr Campus in August this year.
The Taylor Wimpey Training Academy courses in bricklaying and joinery will give students the chance to work with the housebuilder, which has a number of sites in Ayrshire. All of the firm’s bricklaying and joinery apprentices in the west of Scotland complete their offsite training with the college.
Taylor Wimpey West Scotland said its partnership with Ayrshire College has been taken to the ‘next level’ with the sponsorship of the bricklaying and joinery courses at the Ayr campus.
As part of the course, Taylor Wimpey will provide with students site visits and work experience on live developments in Ayrshire. They will also be able to regularly speak to members of the Taylor Wimpey management team, who will offer advice about careers in the industry.
Although students will not be guaranteed an apprenticeship or employment with Taylor Wimpey on completion of the course, the team see this as the ‘ideal preparation’ for their own in-house apprenticeship scheme.
Brian Henderson, production director for Taylor Wimpey West Scotland said, “Future-proofing our talent pool is very important if we are to continue to deliver the high-quality homes that our customers expect. Working closely with Ayrshire College means that we can ensure that students are equipped with the skills that we need to drive our business and the industry forward.
“These two courses are a fantastic first step into an industry that offers many ways to develop and succeed every day that you work in it.”
Ayrshire College principal Carol Turnbull visited Taylor Wimpey’s Princess Gate development in Troon to officially launch the courses. She said, “Our lecturing team has worked really closely with Taylor Wimpey to make sure the courses meet their needs, and the students’ needs. We’re working with industry to put on courses that Taylor Wimpey know will suit them and that they’ll recruit from. I think it’s a really exciting initiative and we want to do much more of that.”
Cameron Bell, head of construction technology, trades, motor vehicle and horticulture at Ayrshire College added, “Ayrshire College is delighted to be entering this innovative and forward-looking partnership with Taylor Wimpey West Scotland. These courses demonstrate the commitment of both organisations to help young people develop the skills required for a successful career in a thriving business.
“Ayrshire College has a vision to raise aspirations, inspire achievement and increase opportunities for all of Ayrshire’s communities and this partnership is undoubtedly a significant milestone in achieving this ambition.”
The Taylor Wimpey Training Academy: Bricklaying and Joinery courses have now opened for applications, which can be made on Ayrshire College’s website by searching for ‘Taylor Wimpey’ in the course search box.
