Fife Works help 10 youngsters find jobs in the construction industry

Ten unemployed youngsters from Fife have started their careers in the construction industry after taking part in an employability training project by Fife Works.

The course consisted of a four-week programme that saw the ten unemployed young people take part in CSCS Health and Safety, asbestos awareness and moving & handling as well as working on their employability skills.

The participants were given two-week placements with a local employer to help them gain relevant and practical experience. Three of the trainees were taken on by their placement provider following its completion, while the other seven after receiving continued support from Fife Works, have also found employment.

One of the applicants, Scott Lindsay, applied for a placement on the course through his local job centre. He was offered a place after impressing staff with his enthusiasm for construction work.

Once Scott completed the accredited training and employability training part of the course, he was placed with Mitie Group PLC to gain experience working within their painting department.

Scott impressed Mitie with his enthusiasm and ability to work on his own initiative and so extended his placement by a further six weeks. Following this, Mitie offered Scott a full four-year apprenticeship as a painter and decorator.

Scott commented: “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, Mitie Group PLC Branch Manager, 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.”

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% 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.”

The course was paid for through 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.

A similar scheme is planned for early summer, with dates yet to be finalised.

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