CITB-ConstructionSkills has kicked off Scottish National Apprenticeship Week.

The training board held a practical learning event aimed at young people.

The first 'hands on' construction activity day, was held at the National Construction College in Inchinnan, and saw third year pupils from six Renfrewshire schools in attendance to try their hand in a number of different roles. The event was to encourage young people to consider apprenticeships in the construction industry.

Derek Mackay MSP also attended the opening day, visiting the college to learn about a variety of trades including paving, scaffolding, plant operation, installing a suspended ceiling, felt roofing and learning about health and safety on-site.

A further two activity days will be held at the college on Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd May which will see more than 100 pupils in total get a better look at the industry and a better idea of the many trades available to them and the skills and qualifications they involve.

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Scottish Apprenticeship Week gives individuals, employers, providers and stakeholders a chance to showcase apprenticeships and the benefits they bring to Scotland’s businesses and economy.

In April 2013, The Scottish Government and Skills Development Scotland confirmed the job prospects of 25,000 people in Scotland were significantly improved in 2012/13 by taking up a Modern Apprenticeship (MA) opportunity.

Graeme Ogilvy, Scotland director for CITB-Construction Skills, said: "Our hands on events at the National Construction College are a fantastic way to encourage young people to get involved in the industry. By offering taster sessions they can get a real feel for different trades and try them out to find out if they would be interested in taking them up in the future.

"We were extremely pleased that Derek Mackay MSP lent his support and came along to try his hand at a few of the skills too. The pupils certainly enjoyed and appreciated all the different skills they could learn."

CITB-ConstructionSkills saw the total number of new apprentices coming into the industry under their managing agency increase by 15% in 2012 compared to 2011.

In Scotland last year, the industry body saw 1,269 new starts entering the sector, with an additional 247 people restarting their apprenticeship, taking the total number of apprentices joining the sector to 1,516.

(JP/CD)