GLASGOW—June 11, 2009

Thanks to a unique partnership between Clyde Gateway Urban Regeneration Company (URC), and the Glasgow-based construction firm City Building LLP, ten residents living in either the East End of Glasgow or Rutherglen have been given a fantastic two-year apprenticeship opportunity.

The ten residents, whose ages range from 25 to 45, are all long-term unemployed who emerged from a rigorous selection process which included testing and an interview, and are the latest beneficiaries of a partnership which sees Clyde Gateway and City Building each making an investment towards the costs of full-term apprenticeships.

Steven Callaghan (39) from Oatlands, John Coster (45) from Bridgeton, Paul Curran (31) from Bridgeton, James Hamilton (35) from Dalmarnock, Ryan Houston (25) from Calton, Peter McCue (38) from Rutherglen, Brendan Murray (39) from Bridgeton, Alan Stewart (25) from Bridgeton, Christopher Mullen (28) from Oatlands and John Skinner (25) from Calton are all now training to be joiners.

The partnership had previously allowed six local school-leavers, in September 2008, to be given four-year apprenticeship as either electricians or joiners.

Councillor George Ryan, a member of the Clyde Gateway Board as well as Executive Member for Business and the Economy at Glasgow City Council, was delighted with the latest results of the partnership.

He said, “At a time when jobs and training opportunities are that bit harder to find, I think it is highly significant that Clyde Gateway is making extra efforts to make a difference.

“One of Clyde Gateway’s main aims is to create employment opportunities for local residents, and we know from past experiences that a place on the apprenticeship scheme with City Building is very highly valued and seen as a great way to obtaining the best skills and training available.

“Our investment has already allowed 16 local residents to make big changes in their lives, but this is just the beginning of what we are going to do in terms of helping with the economic, social and physical transformation of the local communities.

“Clyde Gateway is serious about making a difference, and today’s announcement will not be the last in terms of our support for new training and employment opportunities.”

Willie Doherty, the Managing Director of City Building LLP, also gave a very warm welcome to the latest recruits to his firm’s award-winning apprenticeship scheme.

He said, “While most people probably think that all of the City Building apprentices come straight from school, they should realise that we do provide opportunities to people of all ages. These latest recruits have already shown desire and willingness throughout the selection process, and I’ve every faith that when they complete their training in two years, the skills they will have learned will be put to good use in the construction
industry.”

“I’m also delighted that the partnership between City Building and Clyde Gateway has delivered so many opportunities early on, and I look forward to us continuing to work together in the years ahead.”

The cost of all of the 16 apprenticeships is approximately £650,000, with two-thirds coming from Clyde Gateway and one-third from City Building.

Download Press Release (PDF, 34KB)

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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