The first construction apprentices graduated in November and all of them have been offered jobs. Most of them decided to stay in construction trade working locally across Tayside region. Only one apprentice graduate decided to change the career, however he has a trade under his belt which he can always go back to.

The scheme is aimed to make life easier for small and medium size companies. It covers the cost off apprentices during their time at the college with employers only needing to cover their wages when they are on site.

Grant Wilson of Sturrocks Joinery, Kirkbuddo, said “I am more than happy with the Shared Apprentice Scheme, they have provided me with quality recourses and at the end of it I have got a fully qualified joiner” Grant Wilson

Kevin Murphy, director of Curriculum and Attainment at D&A College and chairman of Shared Apprentice Ltd, said: “This is a wonderful achievement that all apprentices from our first cohort have been offered full-time employment”

He also said the success wouldn’t have been possible without great partnership between local construction companies and public sector organisations including Angus Council, CITB, Dundee & Angus College Dundee City Council, Andrew Shepherd Construction, Pert Bruce Construction, Robertson Construction and support from CITB and SDS, not to mention all great companies who took opportunity and offered placements to our apprentices.