McLaughlin & Harvey invests in island apprenticeship scheme

COMHAIRLE nan Eilean Siar has welcomed an investment of £37,000 from McLaughlin & Harvey to support a shared apprenticeship programme in the constituency.

The firm is currently constructing a 52-bed care home, 50 extra-care units and the infrastructure for 74 houses in Stornoway.

Through the shared apprenticeship programme, apprentices will begin their training with McLaughlin & Harvey and will be transferred to a local contractor upon the conclusion of the Goathill Road care home project.

The apprentices will be employed by Adhartas who will take all HR and payroll responsibility. Adhartas board member, councillor Neil Mackay, said, “The construction industry in the Western Isles is crying out for an injection of new skilled workers. The shared apprenticeship program will allow McLaughlin & Harvey and their subcontractors to engage with the Western Isles workforce. Successful apprentices will be given a unique opportunity to work in a variety of construction settings for two separate contractors.”

Robbie Clark, operations director at McLaughlin & Harvey, added, “We are thrilled to be able to partner with Adhartas in the employment of apprentices at our Goathill Road Care Home project. At McLaughlin & Harvey, we are committed to investing in the future leaders of our industry, as well as leaving a positive legacy in every town we work in.”

Further information on opportunities in construction in Stornoway can be obtained by contacting the accredited skills and training team at employability@cne-siar.gov.uk.