Leading regeneration developer Urban Union has announced its first direct apprenticeship programme, welcoming two new apprentices for a total of 12 weeks.
The launch follows on from Scottish Apprenticeship Week which highlights the importance of apprenticeships and the range of opportunities they offer to young people.
Jimmy Callaghan (17) and Jake Clark (19) have joined the developer in an administrator and a labourer role, respectively. Throughout their 12-week placement, they will undertake job-shadowing tasks and gain valuable work experience within the organisation. To ensure their understanding of construction sites, the apprentices have also completed mandatory site safety training.
The two apprentices hail from Glasgow’s G5 postcode, where 173 homes are currently being built as part of Phase 2 of the Laurieston Living development, which is due to be completed by autumn 2021. In partnership with New Gorbals Housing Association, Urban Union has also delivered 364 affordable and private homes in the first phase of development.
Urban Union’s £140m revitalisation of the Gorbals area forms part of the wider ‘Transforming Communities: Glasgow’ programme that aims to regenerate eight key neighbourhoods across the city.
Commenting on the apprenticeship, Jimmy Callaghan, administrator apprentice, said: “I’m really enjoying the range of responsibilities involved with the role, from assisting with customer enquiries and arranging viewing appointments for new properties for sale, to working with different systems.”
Jake Clark, labourer apprentice, added: “It’s great to have the opportunity to build my skills and career, especially with an organisation that makes a difference in the community where I live.”
Neil McKay, managing director, Urban Union said: “At every development we operate across Scotland, we are already committed to recruiting apprentices– helping young people directly while working to fill the ongoing skills gap in construction. These, however, are the first apprenticeship roles directly with Urban Union and we are committed to making this an invaluable learning experience for Jake and Jimmy.
“Both bring a variety of skills and experience to their roles and we are confident that their understanding of Urban Union’s values and objectives make them fantastic additions to already strong teams.”
