Twenty-nine young people from across North Lanarkshire have started their career journey with a pre-apprenticeship programme to help them gain the skills and experience needed to secure an apprenticeship.

Morgan Sindall Construction's joint venture with Tigers Skills Training has teamed up with North Lanarkshire Council to deliver this programme.

Together they will share their experience and expertise to create extensive new employment and potential apprenticeship opportunities.

The thirteen-week programme is taking place on the construction site of the new Riverbank Community Hub in Coatbridge and Tigers Training Academy in Bishopbriggs and provides an opportunity for young people to get a head start on their career aspirations.

Participants in the programme will develop a better understanding of the apprenticeship process and to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the competitive job market.

It includes in-depth training covering topics such as Health & Safety, career advice and interview techniques, as well as practical training to help them better prepare for the apprenticeship of their choice.

Lewis Forsyth, a former student at Taylor High School, shared his experience with the Tigers programme. He explained that a representative from Tigers visited his school and encouraged him to sign up.


"I've really enjoyed the various groundwork tasks and I'm proud of passing the CSCS test with an excellent score on my first attempt," he said.

"Overall, I've found the program to be highly enjoyable and I'd definitely say to others considering applying to go for it."

Fifteen of those taking part will be offered full-time apprenticeship opportunities with Morgan Sindall and all other candidates will be offered an opportunity of a 4-week work placement with other partners leading to full-time employment.

Councillor Angela Campbell, Convener of Education and Families, said: "We are delighted to be providing this valuable opportunity for young people.

"Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular way for young people to kick-start their career, and we want to make sure they have the best possible chance of success.

"This programme will give them the tools and skills they need to make sure they stand out from the crowd."

Stuart Parker, Managing Director for Morgan Sindall Construction's Scotland team, said: "Nurturing the next generation of talent is of the utmost importance to us as a business as part of our mission to close the skills gap. We recognise that career opportunities are a two-way street and collaborations such as this allow us to invest in budding young people and in return, we can reap the reward of the immense talent they offer. 

"We're thrilled to expand our partnership to North Lanarkshire Council, having previously worked with Tigers in South Ayrshire, and it's a privilege for us to facilitate this programme on our Riverbank Community Hub project.

"The future is bright, and we're excited to introduce our new additions to our supply chain and provide them with rewarding careers and meaningful skills."

Mark Houston,Supply Chain Development Manager, hub South West Scotland, added: "hub South West are delighted to support this pre-apprenticeship programme and offer our congratulations to the twenty-nine young people from North Lanarkshire taking this vital step towards their careers in the Built Environment.

"We are all too aware of the current skills shortage in the Construction sector, so this programme at our Riverbank Community Hub in Coatbridge is to be commended as we work together with our Tier 1 Contractor, Morgan Sindall to address this."

The twenty-nine participants will also have the chance to meet with other employers and apprenticeship providers to gain deeper insight and understanding into the different apprenticeship opportunities available.

The programme began in January, and the final day of training will take place in April 2023.