FIVE Oban High School pupils have gained experience on TSL Contractors‘ £8.1 million build of Camas House at the European Marine Science Park (EMSP) on behalf of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
As part of the project, TSL provided work placements for the high school pupils and development opportunities for three apprentices. The school placements covered both business administration and construction and led to one pupil being taken on full time by TSL.
The company, which attends Oban High School’s careers fair every year, also had three apprentices working on various tasks associated with the project, including civil engineering and joinery works.
Camas House is expected to attract more innovative marine businesses to locate in Argyll, encouraging entrepreneurship and creating new well-paid jobs, particularly for young people.
The two and a half-storey 1,500 square metre facility features seven laboratories, seven office suites of varying sizes, two kitchen areas, meeting spaces, toilets and showers, and associated plantrooms on both the ground floor and the roof. Designs incorporate challenging sustainability targets with an aspiration to be carbon neutral.
The development builds on the success of EMSP’s Malin House, which was completed in 2012 and is now home to 13 companies and around 70 employees.
HIE’s area manager for Argyll and the Islands, Morag Goodfellow, said, “As a world-class, multi-purpose facility in a stunning natural environment, EMSP has proved an ideal location for companies involved in marine science industries and research. It’s very much a centre of collaboration and technology that taps into the area’s natural advantage and stimulates growth in the sector, not just for Argyll but across Scotland.
“It’s been great to see the construction project providing opportunities for young people. In attracting more new companies, Camas House will lead to further local opportunities in skills and entrepreneurship, as well as enhanced confidence in Argyll as a business location.”
TSL’s head of building Brendan McWilliams, added, “TSL are proud to be associated with this inspiring project and extend a warm welcome to those who will find employment in Camas House. The benefits for the local area and the opportunities gained by the students and work placements will last into the future.”
