Part of the Academy is a 2 week work experience placement to give the individuals the chance to get a practical and realistic overview of the industry and for potential employers to assess the trainees.

Fife Works is appealing to local Fife construction companies to provide this valuable work experience within their companies at no cost to them. If companies have vacancies now or in the near future then the work experience candidates can be considered for these vacancies.

Prior to the work placement, all candidates will be given practical training in the following areas: CSCS (training and test/card), Asbestos Awareness, Manual Handling and 1 day 1st Aid as well as support to improve their employability skills.

The last Academy saw great success with all 10 candidates securing work as a result and Fife Works is keen for this Academy to be just as successful for the unemployed individuals that take part.

One of the successful individuals, Scott Lindsay, was placed with Mitie Group PLC to gain experience working within their painting department. Mitie were very impressed with his enthusiasm and ability to use his initiative and after extending his work placement for a further 6 weeks offered Scott a full 4 year apprenticeship as a painter and decorator.

Jamie Connolly, branch manager, Mitie Group PLC, said: “Scott is getting on well, he is progressing well with his apprenticeship both at college and on site. His foreman and colleagues speak highly of him and he has settled in well.”

Fife Works is part of the Opportunities Fife funded, through European Social Investment Fund, Fife Employability and Training Consortium, and also receives funding from Scottish Government’s People and Communities Fund.

If you feel you can offer a work placement or you have a vacancy that you would like to consider our candidates for then please get in touch with Joanne Aitken or Roger Gardiner at Fife Works on 01592 862304.