Twelve local people have successfully taken their first steps in the construction industry and secured apprenticeships after completing a ‘Get Into Construction’ course run by The Prince’s Trust in partnership with CALA and City of Glasgow College.

The ‘Get Into’ programme develops unemployed young people’s skills in a specific sector which can lead to progression opportunities such as employment, training and education.

The group, all aged between 17 and 25, spent three weeks at City of Glasgow College completing basic training on construction skills, careers advice and gaining their CSCS card which enables them to work on construction sites. They are now undertaking vocational experience at CALA developments across the West of Scotland.

Angus Murray from CALA Homes (West) said: “CALA is delighted to work with the Prince’s Trust, offering young people the opportunity to learn about the construction industry and the variety of careers that are available. The industry needs new talent if we are to address the national shortage in skilled trades and to have had such a positive response to the scheme from the trainees, CALA employees and our sub-contractors is fantastic.

“Unemployed young people often just need the chance to prove they have the motivation and talent required to get onto the career ladder. It’s clear from the feedback we’ve had from the teams on site that these young people have jumped at the chance to make the most of this opportunity. Everyone involved has worked extremely hard to get this programme running and their enthusiasm and dedication has been key to making it such a success.”

Allan Watt, director of The Prince’s Trust Scotland, added: “Thanks to our work with CALA Homes, we are able to give even more young people the chance to get the skills and experience they need to break into the construction industry. Huge congratulations to all the young people on the programme.

“The Prince’s Trust Scotland is committed to supporting disadvantaged and unemployed young people into work, education and business. Our Get into programme brings together employers and The Prince’s Trust to offer courses in everything from cooking to construction, logistics to retail. We would love to hear from any young person who wants to find out what opportunities we can offer to help them achieve their goals.”