There was cause for celebration as two Glasgow-based construction firms were recognised for their commitment to employing young people by being rewarded with the Investors in Young People (IIYP) accreditation.

CCG (Scotland) Ltd and GMG were all presented with the gold Investors in Young People (IIYP) accreditation by Scottish minister for youth and women’s employment, Annabelle Ewing. Milnbank Housing Association also received the award.

An initiative from Investors in People Scotland, the IIYP scheme is supported by £1 million funding from the Scottish Government. To mark the accreditation Ms Ewing visited Strathclyde University’s Technology and Innovation Centre to meet some of the talented and ambitious young people who are employed by each firm to hear about some of the training and recognition they have received.

The minister commended all firms for their commitment to young people and strong focus on creating employment and training opportunities in Scotland’s construction sector. The construction sector has endured a difficult period during the recession which saw output decline and the number of those working in the sector reduced by 16 per cent. However with output now increasing firms need to invest in the future and the best way to achieve this is through young people.

Speaking at the presentation, minister for youth and women’s employment, Annabelle Ewing said: “To date, more than 180 organisations have become an accredited Investor in Young People in little over a year since the launch of the award. This speaks volumes about the seriousness afforded to youth employment in this country and builds on recent progress on our youth employment strategy.

“I am very pleased that three significant players in Scottish construction have joined the ranks of firms that are investing in young people and gaining recognition for the training and employment opportunities they are offering. Developing their young workforce makes good sense both for the future success of these companies and for the economy of Scotland.”

Peter Russian, chief executive of Investors in People, added: “The construction industry is a key employer in Scotland and the Construction Skills Network has forecast an annual recruitment rate of almost 6,000 per annum until 2019. It is vital for an industry with an ageing workforce to bring in younger and more diverse employees to ensure they are in the best shape possible to keep up with demand and plug any skills gaps. The benefits of recruiting and developing young people are countless. These include the creation of a talent pool for the future, new and increased skills, fresh eyes and mind-sets into business operations along with enthusiasm and unique talents.

“GMG, CCG and Milnbank HA are three companies who are all planning for the future. Through our work with them they have each developed programmes to ensure young people are integrated into the company, receiving on the job training with clear goals and aims which reflect the businesses’ overarching objectives. All three organisations thoroughly deserve their gold IIYP which marks them out as an employer of choice.”

Gary McGregor, group managing director of CCG, said: “As a business, we are committed to supporting skills development in the construction sector and recently completed our annual apprentice intake creating 14 new positions across a number of construction trades. Apprentices represent 10 per cent of our workforce and it is fantastic that our work is recognised through securing IIYP gold accreditation today.”

Gerry McGinn, director, GMG Group, added: “To receive any award is always a tribute and confirmation for the entire team that we are doing things the right way. The whole of the GMG Group, management and admin staff, together with our professional trades people on site, who take the time to support and guide all of our young apprentices ensuring they are trained the right way, make this gold award special. Our apprentices, who are the life blood of the GMG ethos and business, all share in this recognition. I make no bones about that! Investors in Young People Gold should highlight to companies that by offering young people a CPD path, shows foresight and ensures their own long term growth, sustainability and security.”

IIYP, Scotland’s only people management award focusing on employers’ recruitment and retention of young people, originated through a key recommendation from the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce, led by Sir Ian Wood. Offered to all businesses across Scotland, the award recognises and supports organisations in the employment of young people.