Morgan Stanway is enjoying the first month of his working career secured during a recent work placement on Morrison Construction’s £37 million Cumbernauld Academy and Cumbernauld Theatre project.

Brickworks contractor Lesterose employed Morgan, 17, after being impressed by his attitude and work ethic during the six-week work experience programme. Morgan now has a full-time job and is in line for upcoming Modern Apprenticeship opportunities available with the business.

This career opportunity for Morgan was made possible through Morrison Construction’s Contactor Partnership, established three years ago as part of the company’s progressive community benefits programme.

With trusted supply chain businesses, such as Lesterose, and New College Lanarkshire the partnership assists young people to gain qualifications, experience and build relationships within the local construction sector with the aim of securing full-time employment.

Morrison Construction economic performance manager, Jim Johnstone, said: “We are delighted that Morgan has secured a long-term opportunity in the bricklaying trade with our supply chain contractor Lesterose and we wish him every success.

“This partnership has been a successful way for us to guide and prepare young people with aspirations for a career in the construction industry.”

Lesterose quality, health, safety and environment systems manager, Barry Holmes, said: “We have a strong working relationship with Morrison Construction and so we have been aware of the Contractor Partnership for the past few years.

“We were very impressed with the attitudes of the young people we have had for work experience through this partnership.

“Our business has a strong focus on providing career opportunities for young people. We usually have 10 to 12 Modern Apprentices as part of our team at any one time. Five of our Modern Apprentices have been working at the Cumbernauld site, two of which have completed their training in April.”

The construction of the project is being undertaken with development partner hub South West and North Lanarkshire Council.

Once complete the new campus will have capacity for 1250 secondary pupils and a 300-seat replacement venue for the current Cumbernauld Theatre.

When construction work is finalised the current buildings at the school will be demolished to make way for new external sports facilities.

Cumbernauld Academy, formed following the merger of Cumbernauld and Abronhill high schools in 2014, is home to around 980 pupils.