The next generation of Scotland's building industry has experienced the homes of the future at Scotland's Housing Expo at Milton of Leys, Inverness, thanks to leading building company Rok.

The 14 apprentices, who started their training with Rok at the beginning of August, gained an insight into the type of houses they may work on in the future, which have been designed to promote eco friendly and sustainable living.

Rok has played a major role in the month-long exhibition display, building and undertaking all of the plumbing, electrical, joinery and brickwork on nine of the properties.

Andy Mallice, Managing Director of Rok Scotland said: “Visiting the Housing Expo is a fantastic opportunity for our new apprentices to view the type of projects they may be working on in the future.

“The exhibition gives the apprentices firsthand experience of how important low energy homes will be and lets them see the techniques and materials they will use in their future careers.

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“We are committed to offering our apprentices a real range of experiences and attending events like the Housing Expo is just the kind of exhibition that will be of real benefit to them.”

Ryan Dick, an electrical apprentice with Rok, commented: “I’ve really enjoyed visiting the exhibition. Looking around the homes and seeing the materials used makes understanding the whole process of sustainable buildings a lot easier.

“It’s been really interesting to see all the different designs of homes and it’s amazing to think that I might be involved in building those kind of houses in my future career.”

Susan Torrance, Chief Executive of the Highland Housing Alliance, added: “We are delighted that Rok’s apprentices have visited the exhibition. Over the past five years, we have put in place the crucial site development and build elements of the project, with the contractors and architect teams, to deliver more than 50 innovative, sustainable homes for the Expo.

"Our aim is to inspire the industry by bringing new skills and fresh ideas into future house designs. This event gives the apprentices the opportunity to experience the properties which are setting a benchmark for sustainable and thoughtful house design. The Expo houses will be available to buy at the end of August and it will eventually become a living and breathing community. This is when the design and living concepts will really be put to the test and provide important findings that will help shape and influence the future of house building in Scotland."

(GK/KMcA)