CCG (Scotland) has announced the intake of seventeen new trade apprentices in 2023 taking the total number employed across the group of companies to 67.

The apprentices will undertake an industry-recognised, 4-year training programme across joinery, bricklaying, floor-laying, electrical, heating engineering and plumbing where they will gain valuable, on-site experience as well as studying at college whilst earning an income.

CCG employ apprentices across the breadth of the country. Jamie Kelly (20) from Garrowhill is one of 33 apprentices employed in Glasgow and the west who is in his 2nd-year plumbing apprenticeship and is currently based at a 150-home regeneration scheme in Airdrie.

Jamie said: "Since starting my apprenticeship, I have really enjoyed it. I have been based on quite a few sites and I have gained a lot of experience. I think the most valuable skill I have learned to date is communication; every day is different so it is important to listen, learn and get involved."

Leigh Kennedy (25) from Alexandria in West Dunbartonshire is in the second year of her joinery apprenticeship programme with West College Scotland.

Leigh said: "I've worked on 3 sites so far and have really enjoyed my time with CCG. Each project I have been involved in have been at different stages and I have really focused to develop my skills as part of the team.

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"I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship. The skills that I am learning will be invaluable to the rest of my career and that's what young people can look towards."

Alex St John (20) is a first-year plumbing apprentice from Edinburgh and is currently studying at Edinburgh (Granton Campus) College. One of five apprentices employed across Edinburgh, he joined CCG in 2022 and is now based at the 444-home development Western Villages, Granton Waterfront; a project that is being delivered in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council and is Scotland's largest net zero carbon housing development.

Alex said:

"I wanted to do an apprenticeship after participating in a taster course at Granton College because when I looked ahead to my career, I really couldn't see myself working in an office. I had to persevere though; it was difficult in the beginning as I didn't get much response from companies but as soon as I applied to CCG, I was successful and it's been great ever since.

"I am looking forward to developing and learning new skills. I would love to have my own company but that's a long way off yet so I am going to concentrate and work hard so that, one day, I'll be able to do that."

CCG is a leading supporter of youth employment in the Scottish construction industry – one quarter of the company workforce is under the age of 28 – and is actively working to replenish and grow skills in the sector.

The buoyant apprenticeship programme, which also includes SVEQ in administration, is complemented by a range of higher education training programmes in areas such as site management, surveying, and timber frame design.

CCG Managing Director, David Wylie commented: "Our business has been operational across Edinburgh for over a decade. During this time, we have worked on various projects including the delivery of over 600 homes in Craigmillar whilst over 900 mixed-tenure homes are currently under construction in Granton.

"The delivery of these projects relies upon our staff whether they are experienced or are taking their first steps into a career via an apprenticeship or training programme. As a business, CCG are extremely proud that we are able to provide opportunities, year-on-year, to develop and enhance the careers of young people and we all look forward to welcoming our new recruits this August."