Springburn pupils help to build their future

Springburn Academy pupils Sean McInally and Sam Mullen, with Ross Hammell from McTaggart, put their skills to the test.

helping out at a construction site.

Ten S4 students from Springburn Academy tried out their skills at the Loretto Housing site at Barclay Street opposite their school.

The pupils, who are all working towards a Construction Skills Certificate (CSC) qualification, tried their hands at bricklaying and plaster boarding on site.

They also met senior managers from Loretto Housing and contractors, McTaggart.

The visit was arranged as part of a 12-week programme developed by McTaggart to help students gain practical skills and experience needed to get ahead in their career through tutoring, career support and hands-on

experience on the site.

It forms part of the Community Benefits programme Wheatley Group asks for from its contractors, which aims to ensure that developments have a positive impact in the local area by creating jobs and training opportunities for the people who live there.

The Barclay Street site has already created four new jobs and six work place training opportunities for people in the community.

Student Drew Anderson, 16, said: “It was a brilliant day – I wish we could come every day.

“I want to get an apprenticeship in engineering or construction when I leave school.

“This programme has given me a bit of a head start on other people, who might not have as much experience.”

David Fletcher, director of regeneration at Wheatley Group, said: “In a competitive jobs market, our young people need practical skills and work experience to get ahead – and working so close to their school gave us a

great opportunity to benefit young people growing up in this area.

“I look forward to seeing where this opportunity takes them.”

The new homes, a mixture of one-and- two bedroom flats and three-bedroom houses are due to be completed by next summer.

The development includes eight supported flats and four wheelchair flats for people with high support and mobility needs.

Assistant site manager, Craig Helders, who spent time with the pupils, said: “McTaggart Construction is committed to creating jobs and training opportunities on the Barclay Street site, one which goes a step beyond

supporting careers days.

“We hope this will motivate and inspire more young people into the industry”.