Having employed 16 new entrants across its group of companies in 2022 and 155 apprentices since 2013, CCG announced in March that its renowned intake would continue for another year.

The firm’s year-on-year commitment sees young men and women from across the country embarking on an industry-recognised, four-year programme with year’s new recruits, aged 17 to 22, embarking on their journey to become fully qualified bricklayers, joiners, floor-layers, plumbers, electricians and heating engineers.

The apprentices will work across different companies within the CCG Group to support a programme of work that spans seven local authorities and over 2,700 homes - including over 2,000 in Edinburgh (1,066) and Glasgow (1,071) alone - as well as undertaking their studies with academic partners such as City of Glasgow, Edinburgh and South Lanarkshire Colleges.

CCG managing director, David Wylie, said: “The CCG board of directors and I are delighted to again welcome our latest intake of trade apprentices. The Scottish construction industry has faced some significant challenges over the last few years and will continue to do so as our economy seeks to recover from external pressures.

“In this regard, CCG has remained resilient and we have worked diligently to ensure our business is on a solid footing; over 85% of our current programme of work, comprising over 2,700 homes as well as accommodation for the elderly, is directly awarded which means we can provide certainty for our clients, both in delivery and value. Crucially, this allows us to re-invest.

“Our industry’s skills shortage has not gone away with the after effects of the pandemic proving that now, more than we ever, we need to attract more people into construction. It is a fantastic industry to work in and as we continue our transition to net zero, it is only going to become even more innovative and exciting which these eighteen boys will begin to understand over the coming months and years.

“Youth employment is very much the fabric of our company’s DNA and everyone at CCG wishes them the very best of luck.”

As CCG welcomes its new starts, the business has also retained 15 graduates who have advanced from trade & business administration apprenticeships as well as surveying, estimating, and buying trainee programmes including three HNC Construction Management students.

David Wylie added: “Alongside our buoyant apprenticeship programme, we have a wide range of traineeships across our Group and I am again delighted to welcome these young men and women, some of whom I personally work alongside, to us full-time. I commend their efforts and I am sure they will build a successful future with CCG.”