One of Scotland’s largest homes-led regeneration projects has welcomed Action for Children’s Youthbuild group to a construction-based workshop session in their dedicated training area in Edinburgh.
Youthbuild is a six-week training programme helping young adults gain the necessary skills to secure employment in the construction industry, and 12 young people from across Edinburgh attended a groundwork session at Urban Union’s Pennywell Living development in the north of the city.
The scheme is open to 16-19 years olds who have faced considerable disadvantage when gaining employment and training within the industry. The three-hour session, which was delivered by Urban Union’s contractor Robertson, involved participants taking part in three different workshops; building a mini timber kit model, mono blocking and footpath preparation.
The session provides an opportunity for aspiring young people to gain practical onsite experience and to learn what a construction project looks and feels like. It’s also a great opportunity for participants to ask questions of time served professionals. Youthbuild participants will also benefit from a four week placement with a construction employer
Janice Russell, Director of Urban Union’s said: “Pennywell is about more than just delivering new homes to the area, we are committed to creating desirable communities. By working with Youthbuild we are assisting young people gain much needed skills and training to help improve their prospects for employment within the construction industry.”
Practice team leader at the Action for Children Employability Strategic service, Nicola Raine, said: “Many of our trainees have never been on a live building site so practical training with experienced tradesmen is such a valuable experience for them. A huge thank you to Urban Union and Robertson on behalf of all our trainees for the chance to improve their knowledge, skills and confidence in such an enjoyable learning environment.”
Pennywell is the largest housing project of the City of Edinburgh Council’s much heralded 21st Century Homes programme which has pledged to build 1400 homes for sale and for rent in the capital. As well as homes, the Pennywell project is also set to deliver a range of community benefits including 36 apprenticeships and 24 new entrant construction jobs – as well as a public park, community facilities and private and shared gardens.
PHOTOS ROB MCDOUGALL
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
