THREE new apprentices have joined the team delivering Falkirk Council’s A9/A904 improvement project.
The trio have each been offered 18-month roles with Balfour Beatty and will soon begin their qualification alongside onsite experience.
Harley Leggat, 19, from Grangemouth, and Adonai Mukundwa, 18, from Falkirk have begun modern apprenticeships in construction and civil engineering operations, whilst Tobi Somefun, 18, from Grangemouth, has started a modern apprenticeship in business and administration.
Every major infrastructure contract awarded by Falkirk Council includes a community benefit clause, a requirement for contractors to deliver wider social, economic or environmental value alongside the core works.
The apprenticeships were developed through the local authority’s employment and training unit (ETU), which helps people prepare for and access employment through tailored training, qualifications and in-work support.
Both Harley and Adonai completed the SPC Academy earlier this year, a sector-based work academy delivered in partnership with ETU, Capital City Partnership, and Balfour Beatty. Tobi also worked closely with ETU, completing accredited training and employability programmes before securing the business administration role.
Cllr Paul Garner, Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for economic development, said, “Community benefit is about using major projects to open doors for people who might otherwise find it hard to get their first step into work. These apprenticeships show how investment in infrastructure can also invest in people, helping them build skills, confidence and a foundation for their careers.
“I’d like to congratulate Harley, Adonai and Tobi on securing their apprenticeships. They’ve shown real drive and commitment to start their careers in construction and administration, and with the support of ETU, they’re taking the first step towards what I’m sure will be fulfilling and rewarding futures.
Megan Simms, social impact manager at Balfour Beatty, added, “Working with ETU allows us to create real and lasting opportunities through our community benefit commitments. These apprenticeships are just one example of how we aim to leave a positive legacy – one that goes beyond construction – in the local communities where we work.”
