Sixty secondary students from different high schools in Glasgow attended the event organised by the Academy for Construction People on the second day of Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2020.

The pupils aged eleven to thirteen were shown demonstrations of specialist construction applications such as drones, setting out and levelling techniques and asbestos removal simulations through to health and safety skills such as First Aid procedures.

The event, hosted on behalf of the Scottish Specialist Contractors, Scottish Demolition Contractors and Scottish Civil Engineering training groups, was one amongst the many activities taking place across the country this week in a national campaign to display the training and employment opportunities offered through Modern Apprenticeships.

The construction industry and its related frameworks account for a quarter of all apprenticeships taking place in Scotland and career events promoting the wide variety of opportunities available in construction have been well received by the industry and the Scottish Parliament.

Under the banner ‘Talent Without Limits’, this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Week celebrates the diversity which makes work-based learning good for individuals, employers and the Scottish economy.

Graham Simpson MSP

The young pupils were joined by Graham Simpson MSP, Paul Mitchell from Scottish Building Federation and John Keenan from CITB with the event chaired by Ian Main, chairman of the Academy Steering Group.

Shona Farrell, centre manager at the Academy for Construction People, said: “We are glad to have arranged this careers event on behalf of the Scottish Specialist Contractors, Scottish Demolition Contractors and Scottish Civils Training Groups.

“The support received for this event by the Scottish Parliament, industry trade bodies, local schools and the overall construction industry has been overwhelming.

“This industry has a huge potential in terms of apprenticeships and events like this allow us to make students aware of these opportunities, who might otherwise not have considered construction as a career option.”

Graham Simpson MSP said: “I was delighted to attend this event and support the great work that has been done to raise awareness of the career opportunities accessible through apprenticeships in the specialist, civils and demolition sectors of the construction industry.

“I believe it is important that all young people are aware of all the possibilities and pathways to develop their skills and professions, and I think that campaigns like Scottish Apprenticeship Week provides just that to them”

Paul Mitchell, head of employment affairs at the Scottish Building Federation, said: “At the Scottish Building Federation, we have always supported initiatives which raise awareness of the fantastic apprenticeships opportunities available in the industry.

“Hence we are always delighted to see such an insightful event that resonates amongst the next generation.”