A.C. Whyte has announced 'My Future Pathways' Construction Programme, a new initiative with Renfrewshire Council launched ahead of the COP26.

A.C. Whyte launched the programme with an event that brought all 23 Renfrewshire Council school students involved in the programme to their head office in Barrhead to hear first hand how the energy efficiency works that will be delivered to support the journey to net zero. Perhaps more excitingly to get hands experience trying out some of the trades involved in external wall insulation, including boarding, plastering, and roughcasting.

Jessica Dradge, Development Officer for Engaging Learners at Renfrewshire Council and Lead of Construction Programme, said: "The My Future Pathway Construction programme has been running for 3 years and is designed to raise awareness of what life would be like as a construction worker. MFP aims to empower pupils, building on the self-belief required for young people to make informed decisions around post school opportunities within construction. The programme has been invaluable for young people, it really has given them the confidence and the hands-on experience required to successfully transition into construction roles."

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Jessica added: "Due to the ever-changing construction landscape, schools are often unable to keep up to date with what is available for our young people. Delivering My Future Pathways with employers such as A.C. Whyte really raises young people's awareness of the variety of roles available in construction with particular focus on the green, energy efficiency sectors."

Marie-Claire Futamata – Senior Phase Development Officer for Renfrewshire Council and Deputy Head Teacher at Gleniffer High School said: "The My Future Pathways Programme is an excellent opportunity for young people to see what life is really like out in the construction industry, its hands on experience, its practical and students are learning out with the classroom environment, which is what they really enjoy. You could see how engaged and ready they all were to get started on the activities with A.C. Whyte."

Jenna Wilson, Marketing Executive of A.C. Whyte, who designed and delivered the programme alongside her A.C. Whyte colleagues said: "With world leading, ambitious targets for net zero, Scotland needs a carbon army and it is essential that we attract talent to our sector in order to deliver on our ambitions. It's been a pleasure to help inform, and possibly shape the minds of the future. A few students expressed a real interest and showed talent in our works and we look forward to contributing to their development over the coming weeks."

Jenna also said: "Engaging with My Future Pathways allows us to educate students on the opportunities and careers available with our business and our Skills Academy model provides an access route to these roles. A.C. Whyte are creating local training and local jobs that provide students like this with real tangible opportunities that will underpin our just transition to net zero."

A.C. Whyte will welcome the students on a tour of the Skills Academy to allow them to experience first-hand the college training, now that they have enjoyed the real life site aspects.

Jenna concluded: "A.C. Whyte welcome opportunities to collaborate and partner with our Local Authority clients to deliver programmes such as this, nurturing our sectors future talent is a responsibility we embrace."