William Purcell and Kieran McIntyre, both from Glasgow, completed the Trade Taster Employability Programme, which was open to local residents not currently involved in education, employment or training, and provided industry-recognised qualifications as well as a guaranteed interview with Robertson.

William, a military veteran who was medically retired after being injured in Afghanistan, was subsequently offered a full time role with Robertson’s construction business, and Kieran offered an apprenticeship within the facilities management division.

Kieran, who hopes to become a qualified plumber following completion of his apprenticeship, said: “I attended the Trade Taster Employability Programme as originally I was interested in joinery. However, having worked with the facilities management team, this has opened up a whole new world I didn’t know existed, and I am looking forward to completing a plumbing apprenticeship within Robertson’s FM business.”

William is working as labourer at The Hill House in Helensburgh, where Robertson is completing a pioneering ‘box’ that will envelop Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s famous building to protect it from the elements as part of the National Trust for Scotland’s ambitious restoration plans.

Both have now commenced their roles, which will see them utilise skills learned during the programme through health & safety and manual handling sessions, as well as site visits to a number of Robertson’s live projects, including Clyde Gateway’s Red Tree Contact Centre and the site of two new hotels under construction in Glasgow.

Maisie O’Brien, community & support services manager for West of Scotland Housing Association, said: “As a social housing provider we go further to ensure that our tenants and local residents have increased chances to learn new skills and have access to employment opportunities.

“We work to maximise the community benefit in relation to our contracts and this is a great example of the positive impact that we can have on the lives of local people. I am delighted that two participants have benefited by securing employment with Robertson. We will continue to develop partnerships with organisations and local communities to offer our tenants additional employment opportunities.”

Robertson currently provides facilities management services for the housing association, and organised the programme as part of its commitment to providing lasting benefits for the local communities in which it operates.

Gemma Gourlay, Robertson’s director of social sustainability, said: “As with all Robertson projects, we look for ways in which we can use our expertise to give back to the local communities in which we operate, in ways that will really make a difference.

“The WSHA partnership has proved to be a huge success, and a real example of partnership working, involving collaboration with our Community Development team, our construction business and a number of external bodies such as the Wise Group and Skills Development Scotland. We’ve also added two fantastic new employees to the business and helped make a difference to the lives of local people.”

Further support for the programme came from DWP, Jobs & Business Glasgow, Wise Group and Skills Development Scotland.