Fifteen apprentices who were made redundant from the construction industry have been given a second chance by Fife Council.

The apprentices who were employed by various firms in Fife have completed the majority of their training but faced the prospect of not being able to finish because of the downturn in the construction industry.

The opportunity to work for the Council's Building Services will allow them to get the remaining hands-on experience they need to become fully qualified tradesmen.

These places are in addition to 21 new apprentice joiners, electricians, plumbers and slaters who will be starting on 6 August.

Ken Gourlay, Head of Asset and Facilities Management said: "We're very pleased that we're able to offer these apprentices the opportunity to finish their training with us. They are all very grateful to get this chance and they will be a valuable addition to our workforce. It is important that the Council grows its own labour force for the future and we have an excellent track record in training apprentices. Building Services takes on around 20 apprentices every year and over the last three years we have had a 100% completion rate, that’s against a national average of only 64%."

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Councillor Tony Martin, Strategic Chair of the Environment, Enterprise & Transportation Committee added: "This is an excellent example of how Fife Council is helping local people during the credit crunch. We are the largest construction employer in Fife and when the scale of the problem with apprentices became clear we took the necessary steps to help.

"There were over 70 part qualified apprentices looking for places and we originally planned to take on 10, however there was so much interest that we increased this to 15 places. When these apprentices are qualified they will be ready to make an important contribution to the local economy."

Councillor Elizabeth Riches, Deputy Leader and strategic spokesperson for HR said: "These apprentices are very fortunate that the supervision they will receive from our journeymen is excellent, enthusiastic and professional. They will be offered the best chance to complete their apprenticeships so that they are able to contribute positively to the economic conditions in Fife."

Fife Council worked with 'Fife Works' to identify the unemployed apprentices and put them through the recruitment process.

Fife Works is a partnership initiative hosted by Kingdom Housing Association and supported by Fife's Employability Partners, which aims to link key client groups with training and employment opportunities.

Alan McGuckin, Chief Executive with Kingdom Housing Association, added: "Through partnership working with various organisations we have successfully helped 36 people continue their apprenticeships and I think it is a fantastic commitment that Fife Council is making in recruiting 15 of these apprentices."

The funding for the extra places has come from within Building Services and also Skills Development Scotland.

(GK/KMcA)