GLASGOW - January 21, 2009

Old Firm coaches Ally McCoist and Neil Lennon today launched the enrollment of 47 new apprentices into Glasgow’s newly opened Construction Skills Academy along with City Building Managing Director Willie Docherty and Councillor Jim Coleman of Glasgow City Council.

The Skills Academy was opened on 5th December and is aimed at teaching youngsters in Scotland full craft skills as well as offering construction-related training programmes. The apprentices will serve a four-year apprenticeship in joinery, painting and plumbing.

The group are the first in Glasgow City Council Leader Steven Purcell’s vision to appoint 2,000 apprentices in Glasgow in the run up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games, with the intake funded by the Glasgow Community Planning Partnership.

City Building Managing Director Willie Docherty said: “The 47 apprentices enrolling today are the workers of the future and will play a vital role in preparing for events such as the Commonwealth Games and other Scottish construction projects. City Building’s continued commitment to delivering quality training ensures that these youngsters are given the best introduction possible to the world of work.”

Councillor Jim Coleman, Glasgow City Council said: “It is more important than ever that we provide our youngsters with the best training possible as they start their working lives. It is our commitment to provide apprenticeships for 2,000 youngsters in the run up to the Commonwealth Games and facilities like the Skills Academy ensure that training is delivered at the highest level.”

Skills Academy Manager Iain Callan said: “I am looking forward to starting work with these youngsters. They have already shown tremendous potential in their interviews to get to this stage. I have also been very impressed by their level of motivation and understanding which leaves me in no doubt that they have successful careers ahead of them.”

Media Enquiries
Please contact Mel Brookes, City Building’s Marketing Manager in the first instance on +44 (0)141 1287 1956, +44 (0)7734 597296 or e-mail melanie.brookes@citybuildingglasgow.co.uk

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