Apprentices work in a variety of trades such as plumbing, joinery, maintenance and design, undergoing a four-year programme to gain the skills and experience needed to develop a career in a sector which continues to face skills shortages.

The new trainees have joined an existing team of 31 who are already progressing through their apprenticeship courses.

The group, which boasts 925 employees across Scotland and England, is proud of its dedication to providing the skills and experience required by future construction workers and is committed to attracting the right people into the industry.

Working closely with a team of mentors, Stewart Milne Group provides industry leading training and learning experience to nurture and support the development of apprentices, whatever their age, gender, ethnicity or background.

Having started earlier this month, the eight apprentices are split across central and north-east Scotland, working on the various sites in each region including Bishopton, Haddington and Jackton in Lanarkshire, and Countesswells, Stonehaven and Portlethen in Aberdeen.

One of the new joiner apprentices, Fraser Carnegy, said: “An apprenticeship through Stewart Milne Group really gives you the confidence to succeed. Having been interested in working in construction from a young age, there are so many skills you can take from the on-the-job learning here, that will put you in good stead for a long-lasting career.

“It is testament to the experienced team that we, as apprentices, work alongside that allows us to very quickly develop and hone our skills and feel confident as we work on site, building high quality homes.”

Neil Thomson, deputy managing director at Stewart Milne Group, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome our new apprentices across Scotland and are endlessly proud of all of those undertaking the scheme. Stewart Milne Group has long championed apprentices, with a host of staff, from site managers to directors all coming through the apprenticeship route.

“As the industry continues to evolve with home buyers now concerned about sustainability and being seen to be ‘green’ – as well as doing our bit as an industry leader to tackle skills shortages, we look forward to working closely with these apprentices and continuing the initiative in the years to come.”

In addition to trade apprenticeships, Stewart Milne Group also offers fast-track modern apprenticeships and the graduate apprenticeship programme.

Most recently, Stewart Milne Timber Systems, which has sites in Aberdeen and Witney, Oxfordshire, has also entered a new partnership with West Herts College as it hopes to encourage future workforces to focus on timber frame building solutions. The new vocational apprenticeship programme, which is currently recruiting for 12 apprentices, will allow students to gain a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Timber Frame – MMC (Modern Methods of Construction).