Gavin Newlands MP joined the Finance Secretary Derek MacKay at the National Construction College in Inchinnan last Friday for a Women in Construction event, held as part of the Scottish Apprenticeship Week and organised by CITB Scotland, the Industry Training Board and Sector Skills Council for the construction industry.

The event involved pupils from 3 Renfrewshire schools – St Benedict’s High School, Paisley Grammar and Trinity High School.  The pupils took part in a mix of hands on activities and had the chance to hear from role models currently working in construction.

Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:

“I was delighted to support CITB Scotland’s Women into Construction event at the National Construction College in Inchinnan last Friday. It was great to see so many young women from Trinity High, St Benedict’s and Paisley Grammar supporting the event and learning new skills.

“Apprenticeships are an important contributor to our society and economy, promoting economic development and helping to reduce youth unemployment. They provide young people with an exciting opportunity to gain a rewarding career and also help meet the needs of our economy.

“I’m especially delighted that CITB Scotland organised this event which encourages young women to think about applying for a construction-based apprenticeship. I support their aim of encouraging more women to get into construction and hope that some of the pupils taking part in Friday’s event give this a serious thought.”

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay MSP said:

“I enjoyed seeing first-hand the large number of people, particularly women, taking part in Apprenticeship week.

“Since this Government came into office in 2007, over 200,000 Modern Apprenticeship starts have been delivered.

“By significantly boosting the number of apprentice places on offer, we are reinforcing our commitment to provide accessible education opportunities which will support our learners and the wider economy.

“I would encourage more employers, both large and small, to take advantage of the opportunities presented by employing Modern Apprentices, and talk to Skills Development Scotland to find out more.”

Ian Hughes, Strategic Partnerships Director, CITB, said: “Scottish Apprenticeship Week is a key fixture in the CITB calendar. It helps us to raise awareness of the crucial role that young people and apprenticeships play within the construction industry.

“I was delighted to welcome Mr Newlands and Mr Mackay to the National Construction College to meet with the girls as they gained valuable insight into the types of exciting careers available to them within the Scottish construction industry. More than 2,000 new workers are needed each year just to keep up with demand – and construction needs women as much as it needs men.”