Pic Alan Richardson Dundee, Pix-AR.co.uk

Two young apprentices from Dundee have been given the opportunity to develop specialist skills with one of the UK’s largest infrastructure firms.

Logan Howett (18) and Matthew Lyon (18) have been working alongside Robertson Specialist Services to support dry lining and partitioning services at North East Campus – a £17m new schools complex for which Robertson Group is primary contractor.

The placements were offered in partnership with Shared Apprentice Ltd, Angus Council and Angus College, with the scheme designed to allow apprentices time for college attendance, supplementing their studies toward professional qualifications with practical experience on live projects.

Craig Robertson, managing director of Robertson Specialist Services, said: “We’re really proud to be part of a scheme that will help apprentices to gain the qualifications and experience to work in the construction industry.

“The pair have been involved with the project from the beginning and will see it through until completion, giving them a broad insight into how a project develops as well as the opportunity to get involved with the different services we provide over the course of construction.

“It’s also a fantastic opportunity for us to engage with young local people and address the construction skills gap in Tayside by teaching them the skills that the construction industry desperately demands.”

Krystian Kolaczyk, shared apprentice co-ordinator at Shared Apprentice Ltd, said: “The placements with Robertson offered two of our first-year joinery apprentices a wonderful start to their apprenticeship.

“Not only have they been working with highly skilled tradesmen on the new schools complex, but also in an environment where health and safety is taken very seriously. It really is the best setting for young people to learn and thrive.”

North East Campus was procured through Scape Group’s National Major Works Framework, now superseded by Major Works Scotland, part of the (Scape) National Construction framework, and delivered by Robertson in partnership with Willmott Dixon.

Once complete, it will bring together three primary schools and two nurseries, providing teaching facilities for up to 1,000 pupils.

Source: http://www.scottishconstructionnow.com/25006/apprentice-scheme-sees-young-people-learn-robertson/