Unique training facility for youngsters launched at Sighthill TRA

Main site contractor Morgan Sindall, has teamed up with training provider TIGERS (Training Initiatives Generating Effective Results Scotland) to create a brand new on-site facility which is a first for Scotland and represents a step change in how young people are introduced to working in the construction industry.

The Sighthill TRA is creating a new neighbourhood in north Glasgow, just 15 minutes’ walk from the city centre and is the largest regeneration project in the UK outside of London. Glasgow City Region City Deal funding of £89.3 million will deliver the Canal and North element of the project which includes site remediation, servicing, new bridges, roads access and public realm improvements.

TIGERS will provide pre-apprenticeship training to 15 young people over 8 weeks, giving them an invaluable opportunity to gain construction skills in creating formwork, basic concreting, modular paving and laying kerbs.

The trainees will also have the chance to earn industry recognised certificates in the use of abrasive wheels, asbestos awareness, manual handling and emergency first aid at work. Representing the holistic nature of the training, the youngsters will also benefit from an emotional wellbeing award.

Employees and visitors to the site will be able to see the young people at work in their training area and the pre-apprentices will gain advantage from being involved in day to day site activities. These methods of training are designed to promote interaction and learning and ensure that the young people feel part of a live construction environment.

At the end of the course, the trainees will sit their Construction Skills Certification Scheme test before undertaking a work placement with subcontractors working on site, gaining valuable experience.

Roger Reid, Morgan Sindall project director, said: “Morgan Sindall is proud to have provided this on-site training area for our project partners TIGERS.

“This has given TIGERS a unique opportunity to give their trainees real experience of construction works in a controlled environment within an active site.

“We hope their experience of authentic site life will inspire the trainees to complete their course and move forward into permanent employment.”

Mandy McDonald, assistant head, Glasgow City Region City Deal PMO, said, “Glasgow City Region City Deal was pleased to support this event. It is really important that City Deal projects encourage and promote opportunities for our young people to enable them to gain skills and equip them for the future.

“We look forward to seeing the positive results that will be achieved through the partnership between TIGERS, Morgan Sindall and their supply chain partners.”