A group of young unemployed Fifers have been attending a Construction Academy to help improve their chances of finding work, the council has announced.

The five-week programme was organised by Fife Council and Opportunities Fife partners Fife College, the Department of Work and Pensions and Kingdom Housing.

The academies run alongside the Fife Youth Job Contract, Fife Council’s £5m investment to address high levels of unemployment for Fifers aged 16-24.

The academy has provided 12 candidates - 11 men and one woman - the opportunity to learn skills in a range of trades including painting and decorating, carpentry, joinery, brick work and trowel trades and health and safety training.

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The group is also undertaking work experience with various businesses throughout Fife.

Participants were presented with certificates to mark the achievement at an event at Building Services Training Unit in Kirkcaldy on Friday 20 February.

Councillor Jim Leishman, Fife Provost who was in attendance, said: "It was great to meet the group and hear about how they have developed and gained skills as part of this Construction Academy. I am confident they will have the skills and motivation to meet the standards set by construction employers. I wish them luck with their work experience and all the best in their future careers."

Service Manager Lucinda McAllister added: "From our £5m investment we have created academies to address the gap in youth employment. We work tirelessly with our partners to ensure young adults have the skills they need to start their career."

(IT/MH)