Sixteen young people aged 16 to 19 will begin their apprenticeship programme with the Cambuslang-based construction firm this month.

This year, the intake of modern apprentices, which will be based in both Glasgow and Edinburgh, consists of five bricklayers, six joiners and five plumbers. Each new start will undergo a four year intensive training programme where they will acquire practical and theoretical skills for use in the trade before qualifying as certified tradesmen.

CCG (Scotland) Ltd was established in 1974 and has grown into one of Scotland’s largest privately-owned construction and manufacturing companies. The business employs over 600 staff, including a number of its own graduate apprentices. CCG has always believed in the importance of training and skills replenishment to secure the long term future of the company as well as being a key driver for the Scottish construction industry.

Each apprentice will get the opportunity to work on live CCG projects including Dougrie Drive, a large-scale residential housing development in Castlemilk which is being constructed for Glasgow Housing Association and Leith Fort, a £12 million mixed tenure residential development in Edinburgh. The apprentice plumbers and joiners will also have the opportunity to be involved in projects with CCG’s Asset Management Division, specialists in building maintenance and upgrades.

Alastair Wylie, chairman and chief executive of CCG (Scotland) Ltd, said: “CCG continues to go from strength to strength and our apprenticeship programme is building real momentum. Our apprentices are one of our greatest assets, bringing fresh enthusiasm, life skills and knowledge to the company. This year, we have taken on 16 new starts – three more than last year – including five bricklayers, which is an area we are seeing a real shortage of skilled workers.

“Each apprentice receives in depth on-the-job training and more than 10 per cent of our 600-strong workforce consists of individuals going through our apprenticeship programme.”

In 2016 alone, 14 young people have qualified from CCG’s apprenticeship programme. One of this year’s graduates is 23 year old Hannah Muir from Stepps, who has been given a full time position at CCG as a plumber.

She said: “I decided to do an apprenticeship rather than go to university because I thought learning a trade would give me a job for life. I really enjoyed the programme at CCG – in particular the opportunities it gave me to learn on the job, as well as being a valued member of the team.

“The work has been so rewarding, and I’m absolutely thrilled that I’ve been given the opportunity to work with CCG as a permanent member of staff.”