THE project to build Glasgow's £842million 'superhospital' is fuelling youth employment in the construction trade, the Glasgow Evening Times has reported.

The number of apprentices taken on to build the new South Glasgow Hospital has "surpassed expectations", health chiefs said, and so far 55 young people have been given apprenticeships in joinery, scaffolding and other construction areas.

33 more apprenticeships are to come if the Govan site is to reach its target of proving 88 of the work-based training schemes.

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A training and recruitment centre has been set up at the site to maximise opportunities for local people.

It will create more than 380 jobs and almost 200 work experience placements.

More than 285 jobs have already been filled, with 82 of these going to 16 to 24-year-olds. A total of 185 of the workers are new to the trade.

The South Glasgow Hospital is the biggest single investment in NHS Scotland's history and will be among the most modern facilities in the world.

Calum Graham, boss of Glasgow Regeneration Agency, said: "In an economic environment where young people face major challenges in accessing the labour market, GRA is delighted that the project is contributing fantastic job opportunities through apprenticeships to so many young people."

(NE)