GEORGE Adam MSP, the minister for parliamentary business, was among visitors to the Paisley Town Hall, which is currently undergoing a major refurbishment, to mark the conclusion of Scottish Apprenticeship Week.
Mr Adam, who represents Paisley in the Scottish parliament, undertook a site tour with representatives from Skills Development Scotland and Renfrewshire Council to see progress on the £22 million project.
The visitors met with young people involved with contractor Morrison Construction’s early careers programmes and from its supply chain members, to understand how apprenticeship schemes have helped their careers.
The scheme involves the restoration of the original A-listed building, which was constructed in 1882, to create a transformed arts and entertainment. The renovation work aims to revitalise internal areas, increasing capacity in the main auditorium and improving the hospitality facilities, as well as creating a new dance studio.
George Adam MSP said, “I am delighted to join Morrison Construction during Scottish Apprenticeship Week, and hear from apprentices in person on their experiences in the programme and how it has given them the chance to develop the skills to succeed in their career. Apprenticeships are a key way for employers to invest in their workforce, providing the skills the construction sector needs now and in the future, underlined by our commitment to a skilled workforce set out in the National Strategy for Economic Transformation.”
David Ewing, MD for Morrison Construction Building Central, commented, “As a business we are committed to giving young people opportunities through apprenticeships and training schemes and opening up the tremendous possibilities that a career in construction can give them. The Paisley Town Hall project is a fantastic scheme for these apprentices to cut their teeth on, and I hope for those working here it becomes the start of a successful career in our sector.”
Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Renfrewshire Council’s cultural spokesperson, and chair of the board of OneRen, who will operate the reopened building, added, “Paisley Town Hall has been at the heart of the local community for generations and the work we are doing now will keep it there for many more. So it’s great to see our contractors are able to deliver benefits to the community through the project, such as creating job and training opportunities for local young people, and Scottish Apprenticeship Week is a great time to showcase that.”
Frank Mitchell, chair of Skills Development Scotland, said, “Designed by industry, for industry, apprenticeships not only help the economy but also create sustainable jobs across all parts of Scotland. These opportunities have been taken by individuals from across society, allowing many young people traditionally with restricted opportunities to progress, who have then gone on to flourish in the workplace.”
