
GBSS Civil Engineering has spoken of the collaborative relationship it has formed with Tigers Group, the training organisation for young people which is helping GBSS support apprentices across its workforce.
Currently based at the Twechar Outdoor Pursuits Centre project in East Dunbartonshire – a GBSS civils contract for Morgan Sindall Construction – is 17-year-old Amrit Singh, a shared Tigers Group/Morgan Sindall Construction Setting Out Apprentice, who is relishing the opportunity to fulfil his dream of working in the construction industry.
Having started in January, Amrit, from Bishopbriggs, is receiving one-to-one mentoring and support from Steven Haldane, a project Setting Out engineer at GBSS.
Amrit said, “I’m really enjoying every aspect of my apprenticeship so far. I know it’s only been a few months, but I’m already convinced that a career in construction is most definitely for me. It’s a stable industry in which I want to do well.
“I’m really benefiting from the fantastic support that GBSS has provided. It’s great to be buddied up with Steven, who is very insightful and helpful as to the day-to-day jobs on the site. My eventual aim is to go into site management, and completing this apprenticeship will most definitely help me get there.”
With three other apprentices across the business, GBSS has been engaging with Tigers Group for the past year. Tigers has created Modern Apprenticeship opportunities in construction and civil engineering operations at SCQF Level 5, within the Glasgow and South Ayrshire areas, through a bespoke pre-apprenticeship programme. It also supports the foundation apprenticeship model, bridging the gap between education and employment by delivering civil engineering and craft frameworks. This will help a further 35 learners.
David Owens, MD of GBSS Civil Engineering Ltd, added, “Apprenticeships have always been at the very heart of our business, as we have made a commitment, over the years, to bring through the next generation. We find Tigers Group extremely professional and easy to deal with, providing us with an effective framework in which our senior personnel can meaningfully contribute to the training and personal development of an apprentice, such as Amrit, based at any of our current contracts.
“It’s a ‘win-win’ for everyone concerned. As such, we wholeheartedly recommend engaging with Tigers Group to any other construction or civils companies out there looking to bring apprentices into their workforce.”
Craig McCarron, construction assessor at Tigers Group, commented, “We are delighted to hear that Amrit is flourishing in his training at Twechar Outdoor Pursuits Centre. We believe that young people learn best, grow and thrive – in whatever career they choose – when they’re fully supported.”
Fellow assessor Brandon McReynolds added, “As one of the parties involved in Amrit’s training, GBSS Civil Engineering is providing that vital support – and doing an absolutely great job.”
Twechar Outdoor Pursuits Centre is an East Dunbartonshire Council project being delivered with Morgan Sindall Construction and AtkinsRéalis – both appointed using the SCAPE Scotland Framework.