They completed four weeks of practical and theory work at the College’s Motherwell Campus before going out on work placement in the construction industry for one week.

During their time in College, they gained a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card, which is essential for working on building sites, as well as learning the basics of brickwork, joinery, painting and decorating, and health and safety.

They were also coached in employability to improve their communication skills, reliability, team working, CVs and interview skills.

Trainees carried out a wide range of jobs on building sites with McTaggart Construction, Cruden and Kier Group.

The young people celebrated reaching the end of the course with a ceremony held at the College’s Motherwell Campus, which was attended by representatives from the work placement employers.

Iain Craig, 22, from Motherwell, did the course to help him get back into work after enduring a serious car crash that ended his heating engineer apprenticeship.

He enjoyed his work experience with Kier Group, which involved plumbing in a primary school in East Kilbride.

Iain said: “It felt brilliant to be out on site – I got into the habit of being at work again.

“I’m hoping now to be able to carry on my apprenticeship where I left off.”

The Get Into Construction programme is designed to offer training and work experience in the construction industry for unemployed young people aged 16-25.

Stuart Matson, community programmes manager at New College Lanarkshire, said: “The programmes we run in partnership with the Prince’s Trust target unemployed young people who are unsure of their future but want to improve their skills and future prospects.

“Many of these learners often require some intermediary support to improve their confidence, and the ‘Get Into’ programme model encourages and supports them to progress to higher level programmes in the College or secure employment.”

Scott McFarlane, senior head of employment and enterprise at the Prince’s Trust, said: “I was inspired by the young people’s achievements and the journeys that they have taken over the course of five weeks.

“We often find that young people underestimate their skills and abilities until they get the opportunity to show what they can really do.”