PRINCE Charles has praised Glasgow construction firm City Building for its commitment to providing employment opportunities for a new generation of workers.
The firm’s executive director, Alan Burns, was invited to an event at Windsor Castle where his royal highness made time to highlight the work of the firm.
City Building was awarded the ‘Promoting Opportunity Award’ in April 2021, which recognises businesses delivering social programmes to help people from disadvantaged backgrounds create successful working lives.
For several years, City Building has taken steps to ensure those from disadvantaged and under-represented backgrounds are given equal opportunities. The business has targeted recruitment amongst BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) communities, people with disabilities, and encouraged females to take up roles in the construction sector. The firm also provides training to all employees at all levels.
During the Windsor Castle event, Alan Burns was singled out to meet Prince Charles, who spoke of City Building’s commitment to creating jobs and training opportunities, especially for young people. The firm is Scotland’s biggest employer of apprentices.
This is the third Queen’s Award for Enterprise the firm has won, having previously been granted the Sustainable Development Award in both 2018 and 2012.
Alan Burns said, “It was an absolute privilege to represent City Building and all its employees at this event celebrating our employees and developing our future workforce. Being recognised by Prince Charles is a great boost for the business and our unique social ethos. Since its beginnings City Building has always placed huge emphasis on investing and developing our workforce, and our training facilities are some of the best in the country.
“The ‘Promoting Opportunity Award’ holds special relevance to us as a business due to our commitment to developing our workforce. As a former apprentice myself, I know just how valuable and career changing the right support early in your career can be and we make sure that our roles are available to anyone regardless of background.”
