REFUGEES in Dundee have been hailed after they successfully completed the Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Safety, Health, and Environment for Construction Workers course.
It comes as part of a Scottish Government-funded project launched by Dundee City Council, WEA Scotland, Fife Council, and Clackmannanshire Council, with Robertson Construction supporting the initiative.
The scheme prepares participants for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme’s Operative Test, which then allows them to work on sites in the UK.
Dundee City Council’s neighbourhood services convener, Heather Anderson, met with a group of 12 refugees during a Robertson Construction site visit at the city’s Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc.
As part of the visit, three participants were presented with certificates showing their completion of the IOSH Safety, Health and Environment for Construction Workers course.
Councillor Heather Anderson said, “I am so proud of the part Dundee City Council has played in supporting these skilled and talented people take the first step towards re-gaining employment in their field. The training ensures that people have the language and demanding health and safety skills to enable them to work safely on construction sites.
“We congratulate the first three certificate holders and look forward to supporting more skilled tradespeople back into the workforce.”
Community benefit advisor for Robertson Construction Tayside, Katy Bald, added, “We are pleased to be able to support the council in the work being undertaken to encourage entry to the construction industry and are hoping to be able to facilitate more site visits and help identify potential employment opportunities in the region.”
Dundee City Council said that it is expected that Ukrainians in the city who qualify for the project will undertake the training in its next stages.
Project Scotland spoke to Dundee City Council about the course last year. To read the full interview click here.
