A project in Fife designed to help young people find work continues to provide training and employment opportunities in the construction sector.

The Fife Works initiative, which was established in 2008 by the Kingdom Housing Association, is celebrating the success of their latest apprentice.

Daniel McCool, 18, of Ballingry, had been on benefits for six months before he got in contact with the initiative as a means of finding his way into the industry.

Mr McCool had undertaken a college course in fabrication, but found himself unable to acquire work due to a lack of experience.

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Through training at Fife Works, along with funding through the Opportunities Fife Employer Programme, Mr McCool was able to secure a 13 week placement with Muirfield Contracts at their site in Ballingry.

The firm are currently building 14 affordable homes for Kingdom Housing Association.

Kingdom Housing claim Mr McCool is one of hundreds the Fife Works initiative has helped into work in four years.

Mr McCool said: "The staff at Fife Works were great. They really helped me with my CV and with preparing for the interview.

"The advice they gave me was really useful and I would definitely recommend Fife Works to any other young people looking for work."

Barry Bell, Muirfield Contracts Ltd's site manager for Craigie Street, added: "This is the first time we've had Fife Works trainees on this site and Daniel has worked very well.

"It is a very good programme that we are very keen to be involved in and it has worked very well for us on this occasion. We would be keen to take other trainees from Fife Works in future if possible."

(IT/GK)