Six apprentices (three adult apprenticeship schemes and three modern apprenticeship schemes) have started at Forth Vally College with another four (two adult apprenticeship schemes and two modern apprenticeship schemes) starting at CITB colleges in Glasgow.

These apprentices will be going out to work on Lee Marley’s current projects with Graham and Urban Union.

Lee Marley set up its Scottish division around seven years ago and has sought to play its part in making construction an attractive modern career.

The company said it attracted 40 CVs in the first two weeks of its adverts being posted. Those interested included people ranging in age from 16 to 42 years old from school leavers to labourers who have trowel experience but have not previously had the opportunity to gain an apprenticeship within the industry.

The oldest person who started on an apprenticeship was 34.

In the last four years, Lee Marley has trained experienced bricklayers to be highly motivated project managers

Some labourers are now trained and working as secondary steel fixers while other people who were labourers are now in charge of logistics and supervision.

For Craig Irwin, Lee Marlye’s contracts manager, and former bricklayer, it is about spotting people who show drive and offering them the opportunity to progress and advance into higher roles of responsibility.

He said: “Our main objective is to build up and develop our workforce we also want to instil the attitude that it is important to help others to progress and improve their skills and knowledge of modern construction industry and hopefully more people will want to join.

“This is across the whole of the business (including Lee Marley who owns the company) who started in construction as an apprentice bricklayer, it shows that with hard work and a good team of people a career in construction can be a worthwhile and fulfilling job.

“Gaining a good supply chain who recognise key efforts of your business model is also a key factor in building any business.

On the drive to recruit and train, he added: “It’s just giving people a great opportunity and a chance to do well and having a work environment you can enjoy.”