Glasgow City Council has enlisted the support of Scotland's leading bricklaying company, the JB Brickwork Group, to help deliver on its promise to create hundreds of construction apprenticeships in the run-up to Glasgow's hosting of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Council leader Councillor Steven Purcell announced the initiative - linked to the completion of infrastructure and arenas ahead of the Games - to offer an apprenticeship to every suitably qualified Glasgow school leaver in 2009.

A delegation from the council has already made a fact-finding visit to the JB Brickwork Group’s HQ in Stevenston in Ayrshire, home to the only privately-funded bricklaying apprenticeship academy in Scotland.

Councillor Steven Purcell, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "JB Brickwork is an excellent example of a company which has recognised the need to invest in the future and, in particular, in the skills of our young people.

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"While many of the construction apprenticeships in the council's initiative will be offered though City Building (Glasgow) LLP, our arm's-length construction company, we are delighted that a firm like JB Brickwork, with its solid reputation and knowledge in this specialist sector, has offered its support."

JB Brickwork directors Jim Brannan and Paul Moultrie told the delegation that they are willing to offer specialist advice on the setting up of any new bricklaying apprenticeship centres and where appropriate the company would also take on as many new apprentices as possible

Jim said: "As a company we are currently investing £150,000 a year on apprentice training and I feel this is a clear demonstration of our commitment to creating jobs within the construction industry. We are in the business of providing quality training and secure employment for our young apprentices, to give them a skill for life and make a positive contribution to the community.

"The construction work associated with the Commonwealth Games will provide many companies with the opportunity to create new jobs and develop the talents and skills of our young people. We are delighted to have been asked to support this initiative."

Paul said he would love to see a scheme where our apprentices build a new academy - in brick.

The council is investing £2m into the scheme this year, some of which will go towards a financial incentive for small businesses that can demonstrate their commitment to creating additional apprenticeship opportunities. This money is on top of a contribution from Skills Development Scotland.

(GK/JM)