Training the next generation

Ryan McCann, a 17 year old from West Lothian, is currently completing a work placement at our Whitburn Partnership Centre project where we are on site remodelling the existing 2-storey historic Burgh Halls building and constructing a 2-storey steel-framed extension.

Looking to pursue a career in plumbing, Ryan attended West Lothian College and gained his NPA award in plumbing in August and has been attending West Lothian Council’s, Skills Training Programme since. Through our work placement partnership, Ryan has been working alongside our subcontractor, Fusion Mechanical, where he is gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience by shadowing the team at work. When we asked Ryan how he was finding his placement, he said, “I have been getting on well with everyone I have been working with – they are patient with me and always happy to help. I feel a lot more confident doing tasks now and I have learned a lot since I started.”

Robert Skirving (Fusion Mechanical Site Supervisor) commented, “Ryan has integrated well with the team on site and has shown aptitude when following instructions and working safely. This has given his fellow team members confidence with Ryan who has consequently had the opportunity to undertake an array of different supervised tasks.”

Tasks Ryan has completed include:

• Fitting piping bracket
• Sizing and cutting Unistrut and threaded rod
• Assisting in the installation of drainage pipes
• Assisting in the installation of equipment in the plant room
• Using the screwing machine

West Lothian Council’s, Skills Training Programme has 30 young people per year on the programme. They are referred by Skills Development Scotland, More Choices More Chances Keyworkers, Youth Justice, Ability Centre and Youth Inclusion Project. Miriam Georgeson, Skills Training Programme Officer commented, “This has been a great opportunity and experience for Ryan to build on his employability skills and get a good reputation so he has a better chance of being successful in his applications for a modern apprenticeship in plumbing.”

Our Construction Director, Barry Simpson said, “With the current skills shortages, it’s more important than ever to ensure that we are contributing towards training the next generation of skilled personnel. We are delighted to be able to support initiatives such as this.”

To find out more about the scheme, visit West Lothian Council’s website.