As a builder of affordable housing, the majority of McTaggart Construction sites are located in areas where the educational attainment and progression into a positive destination beyond school is considerably lower than the national average.

In order to achieve meaningful results the business realised it had to go beyond attending school-based events to achieve a basic KPI. McTaggart’s approach to sustained engagement is a direct response to assist with the promotion of young people’s opportunities within the wider construction industry.

Youth unemployment is a significant issue in the areas McTaggart builds; therefore it has created partnerships with employability agencies to proactively recruit these young people as the workforce of the future. A total of 80% of its current apprentices have been sourced through this route.

In 2018/19, McTaggart became one of Glasgow’s largest employer providers of Foundation Apprenticeships, supporting nine. This will be increased to 16 FA’s in 2019/20 as the firm believes they offer access to the young talent pool at the earliest opportunity. McTaggart is also working with Skills Development Scotland to create a pilot SVQ Level 4/5 in Construction Crafts which it will roll out in the east end of Glasgow.

Gary Climson, managing director, said: “Construction is often seen as a desirable destination for young people with a non-academic skills base. Our approach is to try and increase a young person’s opportunity for employment in the industry as much as we possibly can.

“The future of our industry depends on attracting young people to the diverse range of careers available.”

Alison McRae, senior director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, which hosts Developing the Young Workforce Glasgow, added: “This recognition is truly well deserved! McTaggart Construction epitomises all that Developing the Young Workforce Glasgow stands for. 11% of its team are apprentices with a 96% retention rate. We were particularly impressed by the innovation shown through The McTaggart ‘Construction Pathway’ which provides opportunities for all young people, particularly those who are from our city’s most disadvantaged communities, to work in this sector.”

This award comes on the back of several other award successes for their wider community and youth employment programme in 2019.