Partnership tackles youth unemployment in North Lanarkshire
Young unemployed people are getting help to build careers in construction thanks to a new partnership programme with real-life work experience.
The Community Construction Partnership Programme is co-ordinated by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and builds on an idea from housebuilder Cruden, which approached SDS to explore how more young people could be encouraged into the industry.
SDS has brought together North Lanarkshire Council, Routes to Work, New College Lanarkshire and local employers to provide a joined-up programme of employability support for the 15 young people taking part.
The partnership is being highlighted at the start of Scottish Careers Week - bringing educators, employers, organisations and communities together to inspire people across Scotland to explore their future.
Developed collaboratively by SDS Careers Advisers Anna Baird, Suzanne McGonigle and Delia Lafferty, the 11-week pilot combines practical experience of the construction sector with employability support and insight into career opportunities.
SDS Careers Adviser Anna Baird said: “All of the young people have actively been looking for work but taking that first step can be difficult without experience. They just need some extra support to build their confidence, gain experience, make those early connections and learn more about the opportunities available.”
Cruden helped shape the development of the programme, providing industry insight and advice.
Michael Palethope, Community Benefits Manager at Cruden said: “We wanted to give more young people the opportunity to explore careers in construction to gain valuable experience of the industry.
“We approached Skills Development Scotland with that vision, recognising the value of bringing together their expertise and our industry knowledge. It’s been fantastic to see so many partners come on board and work together to create meaningful opportunities for young people in North Lanarkshire.”
The programme also marks the first time Cruden has worked with CCG Construction on a local employability project. CCG is providing work experience opportunities for all young people taking part, giving participants three days on site to put the skills they’re developing on the programme into practice.
Lynn Stodart, Group HR Manager CCG (Scotland) said: “At CCG, we’re passionate about creating opportunities that help young people develop the skills and confidence to pursue lasting careers in construction.
“Through our delivery of the 100-home Dunottar Avenue development in Coatbridge, we’re proud to work alongside Skills Development Scotland and other partners to provide practical experience in a live construction environment, showcasing the diverse career opportunities available and inspiring the next generation of talent across North Lanarkshire.”
Kayla Walton, from Cumbernauld is one of the participants. She said: “I liked the idea of practical work, being hands-on and coming home dirty every day. I’ve learned that to work in construction you need to work hard and be determined – if you do this, you’ll get to where you want to be. I think I’d like to do joinery and get experience of fitting doors and windows. Once I finish the course, I’m hoping to get a job and start earning money.”
The programme is delivered at New College Lanarkshire, Coatbridge Campus, with support from a range of local partners.
Routes to Work is supporting the participants to obtain their Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards, while The King’s Trust is funding personal protective equipment. APEX Training is delivering a practical construction activity workshop and Developing the Young Workforce Lanarkshire and East Dunbartonshire has provided resources to help participants understand payslips.
Other local partners and employers will support STEM activities and industry inspiration sessions throughout the programme.
Anna said: The real success of this programme is the partnership approach, giving young people practical industry experience alongside the support they need to take their next steps. They’re receiving careers guidance, creating tailored CVs and taking part in a realistic job interview. It’s been great to see their confidence grow as they gain new skills and experience.”
Harper Crooks, from Newmains, said: "I wanted to take part to get my CSCS qualifications and learn more about the health and safety aspects to help me in my future career.
"I’ve learned about lots of different construction careers. There’s something different every day, from bricklaying and joinery to project surveying. Ideally, I’d like to be a bricklayer, it really appeals to me, and I have enjoyed learning about it.”
