Training opportunities for school leavers
School leavers are being encouraged to apply for a place on the next construction skills course.
School leavers are being encouraged to apply for a place on the next construction skills course which is being organised by East Renfrewshire Council, in partnership with Reid Kerr College.
The course, scheduled to start on 3 September 2012, will be delivered in Barrhead at the Reid Kerr Skills Centre in Robertson Street and will be funded through Skills Development Scotland’s Get Ready for Work programme.
The training itself includes a National Progression Award at Intermediate Level 2 in Construction with participation in a series of units involving activities in each of the main trades including brickwork, carpentry and joinery, roofing and plumbing skills.
Health and safety training is an integral part of the course and will lead towards a pass in the Construction Skills CSCS test, removing a potential barrier to employment.
Other practical activities are included to allow for team work, working with others and problem solving activities and information technology. In addition, the development of employability skills is significant parts of the course and is reinforced before and throughout the course.
Work placements are also built into the course to allow individuals real work experience with the potential to build good relationships with employers. In the past year a number of our participants have secured modern apprenticeships with local employers via these placements.
Craig Walton a trainee on the current course said: “I’m enjoying learning about different trades and it’s great to be getting a wage whilst attending college.”
Elaine Cheatley, who is managing the programme for East Renfrewshire Council, described the course as “a great opportunity for young people in East Renfrewshire who are interested in pursuing a career in a construction trade.”
The trainees will receive first class training linked to work experience with a local employer and they will receive £55 per week.
Elaine added: “Although the course isn’t due to start until 3 September, we are keen to make offers to young people before the end of June so that they can enjoy their summer knowing that they will be going to college in September.”
Tommy Reilly, senior lecturer in the Barrhead Skills Centre, said: “It’s a wonderful opportunity for young people to enhance their employment skills and forge relationships with potential employers.”
One local company which has participated in this Get Ready for Work programme is WG Renfrew.
Director Iain Lewandowski is a strong supporter of the programme and stated that the course provides his company with the benefit that the trainees who attend placement have the knowledge of basic requirements such as good timekeeping and attendance.
Ian believes they are already geared up for work and are suitable candidates for employment.
Ian has demonstrated his commitment to the course by recruiting three apprentices through the initiative over the past two years who are now completing a multi-skilled apprenticeship in which they will be trained in cladding, roofing and steel erection.
Another local employer who has worked with the programme is JM Vehicle Services.
Owner Jim Mungall says that it was great to get access to good trainees with the view to finding out if they were really interested in the vehicle maintenance industry and an actual job.
Jim recruited Joe Foy to work with him from Reid Kerr College.
Joe enjoyed his time as a trainee saying: “I was treated like an adult, not a kid. I was able to find out about my employer before taking up a job and I was able to build up a good relationship with my employer during my placement.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about this Get Ready for Work course should first of all contact Shona Curran, Skills Development Scotland on 0141 881 2886.
Shona is arranging an information event so that anyone interested can find out more about the course.
Closing date for applications is 8 June 2012.
