An Edinburgh teenager has overcome difficult economic circumstances to secure a work placement with GRAHAM Construction as part of charity Action for Children Scotland's Youthbuild initiative.

The placement with the construction firm has seen a reversal of fortunes for 19-year-old Prestonfield resident Brian Horan.

Brian had always had an interest in the construction industry but upon completing his education and securing a roofing apprenticeship, he was made redundant due to the economic downturn. He remained determined to pursue a career in the industry and, following a series of short term contracts, was selected for Action for Children Scotland's Youthbuild programme.

Youthbuild offers young people the opportunity to pursue industry placements and develop their employability skills.

Action for Children Scotland staff provide participants with essential training to enable them to work on construction sites across the UK, before supporting the young people to secure a six-month contract with an employer. This provides them with the opportunity to put the skills they have developed with Action for Children Scotland into practice on a live construction site.

In summer 2013, Brian secured a six-month placement with GRAHAM Construction through Action for Children Scotland, and together, they have been working on the £14.5m redevelopment of the historic Deaconess House on Edinburgh's Pleasance.

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Due for completion in 2014, the building will be refurbished to create more than 300 new student apartments on the site of the former hospital.

Brian said: "I'm grateful to Action for Children Scotland for securing me a placement with GRAHAM Construction.

"I feel a part of the site team and have learnt valuable skills across the industry from ensuring safety in crane, rigging and slinging operations to teamwork and high level health and safety training.

"The placement has provided me with a foot in the door of the construction industry I would have struggled to find otherwise. I have been given the opportunity to sample all areas and pursue industry recognised qualifications as well as gain practical experience and job skills.

"I am hoping to gain enough experience to secure an apprenticeship in the construction industry as an electrician, joiner or plumber."

Paul McBurney, Contracts Manager at GRAHAM Construction, added: "Brian has been a fantastic addition to the project, a strong team player who works unbelievably hard and is always punctual and efficient.

"He fits in well with the team and has overcome challenges in his goal of learning valuable new skills and developing a career in the construction industry."

As well as providing young people with the skills and accreditations necessary to work in the construction industry, Youthbuild aims to tackle the underlying issues that prevent young people from entering and sustaining employment.

Maria Williamson, children's services manager at Action for Children Scotland, explained: "Youthbuild is designed to help young people get that vital first step on the career ladder.

"By providing training, and sourcing placements to allow participants to put learning into practice; Action for Children Scotland can help young people beat the statistics and secure employment.

"Of course, we could not do this without the support of employers who give young people the chance to transform their lives.

"The redevelopment of Deaconess House is a particularly exciting project to be part of, and we are very grateful to GRAHAM Construction for helping Brian to get his career off to such a prestigious start."

(JP/CD)