BRIGGSAMASCO has marked Scottish Apprenticeship Week by highlighting the benefits of recognised industry qualifications.
The roofing specialist is a long-time provider of apprenticeship programmes and the firm’s MD, Tony Lawther, started as a BriggsAmasco apprentice back in 1984.
He said, “We have two branches in Scotland and carry out many commercial projects across the country. Therefore, we are fully aware of the benefits that apprenticeships bring to the business and the national economy.
“Initiatives such as Scottish Apprenticeship Week are so important. The construction industry, and roofing in particular, is in urgent need of recruits as people leave or retire from the sector. Roofing offers a fantastic career opportunity, it’s a highly skilled trade that offers long-term career prospects, competitive wages, and the satisfaction of seeing tangible results from hard work.
“BriggsAmasco has a decades-long track record of employing apprentices and facilitating their career progression. Many of our apprentices have become qualified roofers and reached the top of their profession. We shall always support their development.”
Tony’s comments were supported by colleague Allan Doris, a BriggsAmasco branch manager in Glasgow. “With the numbers of expected Scottish construction workers only likely to increase even after 2026, apprenticeships are the only way to ensure Scottish construction projects can continue to be delivered by Scottish-based tradespersons,” he stated. “Whilst an ever-growing skills shortage is evident in Scotland, there are funding gaps and a lack of incentives for employers to hire apprentices.
“I believe apprenticeship programmes can only play a part if the conversion of completed apprenticeship improves – however this would take an industry-wide approach. We must all ensure young people have a route to employment, to reduce the ever-growing numbers of people we see going from education to unemployment.
“It’s often not known there are services set up in most regions throughout Scotland to ensure support in advance of leaving full-time education and readying young people for employment. This includes construction taster events hosted at schools and colleges on a regular basis.”
BriggsAmasco encourages and supports employees to attain an SVQ Level 5 – the equivalent of a Master’s degree. The SVQ is fully funded by Skills Development Scotland, with a completion grant available for those who finish the course.
The company employs 18 apprentices, including more experienced staff such as Paul Mulgrew, who joined the company in 2002. Paul (43) decided to upgrade his skillset and enrolled as a mastic asphalter apprentice. The move has earned praise from BriggsAmasco’s senior management.
Tony Lawther said, “Paul’s monthly update reports from Managers and Supervisors are extremely good and his enthusiasm never goes unnoticed. He has excelled at college, which is great to hear when he is surrounded by much younger apprentices. Paul is a great example of how we support employees who want to improve and progress regardless of age. He is thriving and dedicated to making the most of his career.”
