Young people from North Lanarkshire are getting hands-on experience in the built environment through a new programme helping them take their next steps into work, education or training.
The first group of young people on North Lanarkshire Council’s Pathways Programme are taking part in the Future Builds Academy, delivered with The Verdancy Group and Apex Training. Linked to the council’s Built Environment Academy and supported by NL Academies, the programme brings together education, training and industry partners to create pathways into the built environment sector.
The programme was highlighted on Scottish Employability Day, when Education Convener Councillor Michael McBride visited the training centre in Blantyre to meet the young people and see their training first-hand.
Over 15 weeks, they are working towards The Verdancy Group’s SCQF Level 5 Award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit, the first cohort in Scotland to complete the qualification.
They are also gaining industry-recognised qualifications in areas including Asbestos Awareness, Working at Height, Abrasive Wheel Safety and Hand Arm Vibration, alongside practical experience in insulation, ventilation, thermography, moisture management and low-carbon technologies.
Councillor McBride said: “It was great to meet the young people and see the training for myself. They’re gaining qualifications, growing in confidence and getting a real taste of what a career in this sector could offer.
“Partnerships like this give young people a chance to try something new, discover what they’re good at and take that next step towards a positive future.”
The Pathways Programme supports young people identified by schools as being at risk of leaving education and moving into a negative post-school destination.
Susan McDonald, Director with The Verdancy Group added: “Scottish Employability Day is a great opportunity to recognise the importance of giving young people real opportunities to build skills, confidence and experience. It’s something I’m personally passionate about and a big part of what we want to achieve through The Verdancy Group and Apex Training. I’m proud of this partnership and excited to see where these young people go next.”
The built environment is one of North Lanarkshire’s growth employment sectors, and the Future Builds Academy is giving young people a supportive way to explore the opportunities available.
The aim is to help them move into a sustained positive destination, whether that’s further or higher education, training or employment.