City Gate Construction (CGC) has announced the launch of ‘Bright Futures’ - the new name for all the training and workplace experience it offers young people.

For the first time it brings together all of CGC’s work with apprenticeships and work placements for teenagers under one banner.

Costing tens of thousands of pounds it will also pay for further and higher education for young people it hopes will eventually join the Paisley-based company.

The first of these is 18-year-old Adam Heron who is currently working at CGC as part of his training to become a quantity surveyor. Adam attended St Andrews Academy in Paisley.

Adam is currently working four days a week with the MacDowall Street business and studying at college for the other. The two year course will eventually lead to qualification. Then he will go to University for to obtain a degree before joining the company.

CGC will pay for his college and university fees while also paying him a salary. It represents the highest level of engagement the business has ever had with a young prospective employee.

Leo Reilly, managing director of CGC, said: “This is a hugely- significant development for the business as we bring all of our training for young people including apprenticeships under one exciting new initiative.

“We have always believed that investing in young people’s futures is the right thing to do. Giving them a solid start to their working life is what Bright Futures aims to deliver.”

CGC says it will gradually increase the number of young people it will help.

In another development as part of Bright Futures, CGC currently has a trainee civil engineer working with the business gaining valuable experience in a one-day-a week placement while she undertakes her college studies.

Dave Palmer, commercial director of CGC, added: “CGC understands our obligation to helping communities and the people who live there. That includes offering people employment and we are delighted to welcome Adam to the business.

“We are investing in his future and we are confident he will be a great asset to us during his training and when he joins us as a fully qualified quantity surveyor.”

Adam said: “I’m enjoying my time working at CGC and also enjoying my college studies. There is a lot to learn and I’m very grateful to be the first person helped by what CGC is doing.”