The president of the Scottish Building Federation has reassured apprentices in Moray that jobs are still available despite the effect the economic downturn has had on the construction sector.

Bill Imlach, speaking before a construction awards ceremony at Moray College, reassured the plumbers, joiners and builders who attend the college part-time while in employment.

Mr Imlach, who is also Managing Director of Stewart Milne Construction, said they were gaining the skills now which will last well beyond the current downturn in the construction industry.

He said: "There are peaks and troughs in the industry, but we came through it before and we will again. The skills they are learning will stay with them for life, and its important that they remember that. These courses will stand them in good stead."

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He said that, although companies are still investing in apprentices, the young people have the advantage of being able to work for themselves in the future if they chose, adding: "They have got to grasp the opportunities and be positive about the skills they have gained."

Mike Devenney, principal at the College, said it had so far not experienced a drop in the number of people signing up for the academic side of apprenticeships. He said the college had an excellent relationship with the construction business locally.

Among the awards presented was the Craig Wright Shield, given to the most improved first year joinery apprentice, in memory of a former student at the college. A special final year craft apprentice award went to Scott Reid, of Huntly, who is an apprentice plumber with D and D Plumbing Services. He will go on to represent Scotland in the UK finals in Birmingham in October.

(GK/JM)