THE construction and demolition industries have marked Scottish Apprenticeship Week by raising awareness of career opportunities at a school careers event in Glasgow.
60 students from different high schools in the city attended the event organised by the Academy for Construction People. The pupils, aged 11 to 13, were shown demonstrations of construction applications such as drones, setting out and levelling techniques and asbestos removal simulations.
The event, hosted on behalf of the Scottish Specialist Contractors, Scottish Demolition Contractors and Scottish Civil Engineering training groups, was one of many activities taking place across the country as part of a national campaign to display the opportunities offered through Modern Apprenticeships.
The young pupils were joined by Graham Simpson MSP, Paul Mitchell from the Scottish Building Federation and John Keenan from CITB. The event was chaired by Ian Main, chairman of the Academy Steering Group.
Shona Farrell, centre manager at the Academy for Construction People said, “The support received for this event by the Scottish Parliament, industry trade bodies, local schools and the overall construction industry has been overwhelming. This industry has a huge potential in terms of apprenticeships and events like this allow us to make students aware of these opportunities, who might otherwise not have considered construction as a career option.”
Graham Simpson MSP commented, “I was delighted to attend this event and support the great work that has been done to raise awareness of the career opportunities accessible through apprenticeships in the specialist, civils and demolition sectors of the construction industry. I believe it is important that all young people are aware of all the possibilities and pathways to develop their skills and professions, and I think that campaigns like Scottish Apprenticeship Week provides just that to them.”
Paul Mitchell, head of employment affairs at the Scottish Building Federation added, “At the Scottish Building Federation, we have always supported initiatives which raise awareness of the fantastic apprenticeships opportunities available in the industry. Hence we are always delighted to see such an insightful event that resonates amongst the next generation.”
