Former pupils to rebuild Capital schools

Published on Thursday 7 December 2006 12:12

UP TO 220 people in north Edinburgh will be offered training and employment opportunities to help rebuild schools under a programme to be run by training body the Construction Academy and Edinburgh Waterfront Recruitment Centre.

The 180 million programme will rebuild eight schools by 2010 through a public private partnership (PPP) with Axiom Education and building firm Laing O'Rourke.

Opened two years ago, the Waterfront Recruitment Centre has already been central to finding the right candidates for construction jobs in the area. All new vacancies will be advertised through the centre and there will be a strong focus on recruiting former local pupils so they can rebuild the schools.

"This is a great opportunity for local people to get trained and find work in the construction industry," says Jim Gaffney of Laing O'Rourke.

The building programme is one of Britain's largest urban regeneration schemes. It is designed to transform derelict, contaminated land around Granton into a world-class living and working environment. In the long term, the project aims to create 9400 jobs, clean up contaminated land and build 5300 new homes - including affordable housing for rent and sale.

The programme has already resulted in 12 apprenticeships for young workers this year, and opportunities for adults to train as construction operatives will start early next year.

The project has opened the door to joint apprenticeship arrangements between the council and the private sector, with apprentices dividing their time between Edinburgh Building Services and Laing O'Rourke.

Councillor Ian Perry, executive member for employment and social inclusion says: "This is an excellent example of the council working closely with the private sector to secure jobs for local people. I am delighted that these new apprenticeship opportunities have been created."

A special pre-apprenticeship programme is also being introduced to help young people who want to work in construction. Run by the council's Capital Skills project and funded by Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian, the Get Ready for Work scheme gives participants training and practical experience that will help them find work. This is expected to put them in a strong position to apply for apprenticeships that will come up next year under the schools PPP deal.

Linda McPherson, director of skills and learning at Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian, says: "The thrust of this initiative is to ensure that young people across Edinburgh are able to benefit from the opportunities generated by the waterfront development."

The Get Ready for Work programme is geared towards those who need extra support to make the transition from school to employment, and offers practical work experience. It is designed to prepare them for the world of work by improving their confidence, time keeping and communication skills.

McPherson sums up: "We believe it is great news that young people are benefiting by moving into construction jobs in the area."