A £22.7m building contract which will create more than 260 affordable homes in 2013, is helping to benefit Scotland's unemployed.

Under an initiative from Sanctuary Scotland and GRAHAM Construction, 51 individuals were selected to learn life-changing skills on building sites across Paisley, Glasgow, Cumbernauld and Dundee.

Mark Donnelly, 19, is one of five new apprentice joiners working on Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association's project in Gallowhill, Paisley.


Speaking about the apprenticeship, Mr Donnelly said: "I am really enjoying working for GRAHAM on such a worthwhile project. Before this, I was labouring at the Commonwealth Village but becoming an apprentice has allowed me to learn new skills and I now know I have a career ahead of me."

Donnelly, who is from Erskine, is joined on site by four other apprentice joiners and all are directly employed by GRAHAM. In addition, the Sanctuary contract has helped create one new plumber and new electrician apprenticeship for the Paisley site.

GRAHAM is currently building 71 two-storey houses for Sanctuary Scotland for affordable rent in Gallowhill. The Scottish Government awarded Sanctuary a £2.8m grant towards the development, which will cost a total of £7.3m. It is due to be completed in September.

(JP)