Morrison Construction has welcomed a number of new apprentices, all recruited from the Highland area, to work on the UK Governments' Levelling Up Funded refurbishment project at the Northern Meeting Park in Inverness.

Morrison has said that it "places huge importance" on the creation of employment opportunities – and a trades apprenticeship allows people to "earn-while-they-learn," whilst gaining higher level qualifications and mentoring from professionals in their chosen field. This in turn, equips our Highland workforce with the essential skills, knowledge, and talent to strengthen our own business going forward.

Being an apprentice includes:

• paid employment with holiday leave

• on-site work experience

• block release at college.

• formal assessment which leads to a nationally recognised qualification

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Morrison has a long-standing supply chain of subcontractors and suppliers, most of which are Highland based. Over 80% of the contract value of the Northern Meeting Park project will be spent with local businesses, which in turn provides benefits across the wider community.

The Highland Council's Inverness City and Area Leader Councillor Ian Brown, and Co-Chair of the Levelling Up Fund Programme Board, said: "The Highland Council is a strong advocate for apprenticeships. It serves as a valuable pathway for young individuals entering the workforce and aids others in advancing their careers. Additionally, it provides organisations with skilled and competent employees.

"We extend our best wishes to all apprentices as they pursue their qualifications and embark on their professional journeys."

Morrison Construction said: "We're building for the future, connecting people to jobs. These apprentices will play a vital role in helping us deliver both this transformational project at the Northern Meeting Park and future projects across the Highlands."

One apprentice said: "Prior to starting my apprenticeship I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. However, my journey so far with Morrison has been overwhelmingly positive. I look forward to gaining valuable qualifications and practical experience over the next few years."

The three Levelling Up Fund projects will support the UK Government Net Zero Carbon agenda by providing sustainable energy to Northern Meeting Park, sustainable energy to Bught Park and a renewable Energy Centre for Inverness Castle.