A community initiative to train unemployed people in the Raploch area of Stirling has received a donation of training vouchers from Forth Construction.

The vouchers will give 15 Raploch Community Enterprise trainees the chance to gain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card after a half day's training with the company.

Martin Reid, Project Co-ordinator of Forth Construction, said: "We work closely with the Raploch Urban Regeneration Company and have been made aware of what their Community Enterprise Company is trying to achieve.


"We are delighted that we can in some way help local construction companies to take on a workforce who are health and safety aware. This can only benefit the community, local enterprise and the construction industry in general."

The Raploch Urban Regeneration Company's (URC) Community Enterprise programme provides training opportunities in both construction and horticulture working towards SVQ level 2, along with a variety of additional bespoke training to local unemployed people to help them find employment.

The Community Enterprise has been one of the greatest success stories in the project to regenerate Raploch, so far helping 45 unemployed locals to secure full-time employment.

Nicole Smith, Development Manager, from Raploch Community Enterprise said: "People are what's important to the Community Enterprise and we recognise that it's the people of Raploch who should benefit from the area's regeneration. We are sure this generous donation will greatly boost our eager trainees' confidence and help them find employment."

(GK/JM)