Ten unemployed Fife youngsters have begun careers in the construction industry thanks to a course by Fife Works, the employability training project run by Kingdom Housing Association.

The course saw 10 unemployed young people take part in a 4 week programme which involved accredited training such as CSCS Health and Safety, asbestos awareness and moving & handling as well as working on their employability skills.

All of the participants were placed with a local employer for two weeks to give them relevant and practical experience. Three trainees were employed by their placement provider following the completion of the work placement. And, after continued support from Fife Works, the other seven trainees have now also moved into employment.

Scott Lindsay applied for a place on the construction pre-recruitment course through his adviser at Dunfermline Job Centre. After impressing staff with his enthusiasm to get involved in the construction work he was offered a place on the course. After completing the accredited training and employability training part of the course Scott was placed with Mitie Group PLC to gain experience working within their painting department.

Mitie were very impressed with Scott’s enthusiasm and ability to use his initiative and after extending his work placement for a further 6 weeks, they offered Scott a full four year apprenticeship as a painter and decorator.

Scott said: “I’m really thankful to Fife Works for setting up the opportunity with Mitie. Starting an apprenticeship has been great and I’ve really enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity. I’ve gained some qualifications which will be useful in the longer term.”

Jamie Connolly, branch manager with Mitie Group PLC, added: “Scott is getting on well; he is progressing well with his apprenticeship both at college and on site. His foreman and colleagues speak highly of him and he has settled in well.”

The course was paid for using a combination of funding from Scottish Government People and Communities Fund, Fife ETC, European Social Investment Funding and Opportunities Fife with support for participants travel from the DWP.

Bill Banks, chief executive with Kingdom Housing Association, added: “Helping to provide training and employment opportunities is a key objective for us and the recent Fife Works training course is a good example of the impact this type of opportunity provides for local young people. There is a skills shortage in the construction sector and courses such as this build the capacity of young people to pursue work opportunities.

“We are extremely delighted that the course has had a 100 per cent success rate in helping the participants secure employment, however initiatives such as this would not be possible if it wasn’t for the support of the local employers and contractors we engage with on a regular basis and the funding support we obtained to run the Fife Works programmes. I hope all the participants enjoy their new jobs and wish them every success for the future.”

It is intended a similar programme will run early summer, however the dates have not been finalised for this yet. If any employers feel they can assist with training placements or would like assistance with recruitment processes, or if any young people are looking for similar training opportunities they should contact Lynne Dunn or Joanne Aitken at Fife Works on 01592 862304 or email fifeworks@kingdomhousing.org.uk.