When the news about the closure was announced, the CITB, which is responsible for construction skills, training and apprenticeships in Scotland, started to work with local employers and SDS to safeguard vital construction skills and ensure that as many of the apprentices as possible were retained within the industry.

Sandy MacGillivray, regional delivery manager for CITB, said: “Local employers have really come out in force to support the apprentices and provide opportunities for many of them to continue their apprenticeships in the local area.

“These young people are the future of our industry and are already displaying the skills our industry needs to deliver on the ambitious programme of works scheduled to be delivered across Scotland. I would urge any other employers in a position to accommodate an apprentice to get in touch with one of our local team for advice on the funding and support that CITB can offer.”

Cameron Bunt, a third year carpentry and joinery apprentice who lost his job earlier this month and was redeployed with WBS Keillor Ltd, said: “I was really shocked when Muirfield Contracts informed us that we were all being made redundant and very concerned that I wouldn’t get an opportunity to complete my apprenticeship. I have received great support from CITB and am relieved to say I am back on track to achieve my carpentry and joinery qualification.”

DM Plastering and Roughcasting is one of the many local businesses that has taken on an apprentice.

Grant Mulholland, operations manager at DM Plastering and Roughcasting, added: “Apprentices are the lifeblood of this industry. We couldn’t allow the talent to be lost, so we stepped in and have taken on one of the plasterer apprentices to enable him to finish his training.”

The CITB has found new employers for twenty one out of thirty displaced apprentices. The Training Board provides grant funding of up to £10,250 for eligible employers willing to take on an apprentice.