Construction and infrastructure company, Morgan Sindall plc, has been working with hub West Scotland, East Renfrewshire Council and NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde on a targeted employment and skills programme to deliver jobs, apprenticeships, work experience and other training opportunities to the local community.

Collaborating with local employability partner, WorkER, seven new jobs and three new apprenticeship opportunities have been created to date. The opportunities span the whole construction spectrum from cleaning and labouring positions, to joiners, trainee construction technicians and quantity surveyors.

18-year-old Euan Thomson from Renfrewshire commenced a traineeship in quantity surveying with Morgan Sindall in June 2015. Based at the Eastwood project, he will follow a blended learning route: working on site four days per week mentored by a senior commercial manager, and attending university one day per week to pursue a degree in quantity surveying.

Euan said: “I have been really interested in a career in construction since I was in the fourth year at school. Originally, I thought I wanted to do construction management but during my HNC in construction I realised I was much more suited to the commercial aspects: I really like the problem solving. When I saw the trainee quantity surveyor position advertised on WorkER’s website, I went for it as it looked like a good opportunity to get some real experience with a large contractor.

“I have been working for two months now and I am really enjoying it. The team have all been very supportive and I am learning so much more being out on site. I am really looking forward to starting university in September and think that working whilst I’m learning will be a great benefit. I know I have a lot of work in front of me, especially as I hope to be a senior manager someday, but I feel this opportunity is a great start on that path.”

Morgan Sindall’s managing director for Scotland, Harry Thorburn, said: “We recognise the need to offer real benefits to the communities in which we work, beyond the projects that we deliver. We are delighted to be able to support employment and training opportunities through the Eastwood Health and Care Centre project and it is particularly encouraging to see people like Euan coming through the ranks and pursuing a career in the industry.”

As the council’s development partner, hub West Scotland manages and implements the delivery of community benefits throughout the project.

Debbie McNamara of hub West Scotland said: “Providing tangible benefits to local communities is at the heart of every project hub West Scotland deliver. We are proud to work with our partners to provide training and employment opportunities to the residents of East Renfrewshire, and encourage young people such as Euan to begin a career in construction.”

Convener for infrastructure and sustainable growth, Councillor Tony Buchanan, said: “It’s great to see the jobs, training, work experience and apprenticeship opportunities that have been created locally for East Renfrewshire residents through this project and collaborating with our partners.”

Robert Calderwood, chief executive, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, added: “Effectively supporting and sustaining business and jobs in the local economy is a key consideration in the construction of any new building.

“Of critical importance is ensuring that the local community is equipped with the right skills to benefit from these opportunities and this work is already underway.”

Upon completion in March 2016, Eastwood Health and Care Centre will house a range of medical and social care services for the residents of Clarkston.