Last week was Scottish Apprenticeship Week, which is a nationwide celebration of apprenticeships, and the DYW Orkney team were busy promoting the benefits work-based learning brings to businesses and individuals.

School pupils undertaking a Skills for Work Construction course were recently visited by two local employers who spoke to them about their businesses and the opportunities that exist locally in the construction industry.

Stephen Kemp from Orkney Builders (Contractors) Ltd. and Martin Flett from Alfred Flett Ltd. both came to UHI Orkney to speak to pupils from local secondary schools.  Pupils were given an overview of the businesses, the variety of work they undertake, some of the different roles within the business and the opportunities to undertake work experience to get a taste of working in the construction industry.  They also spoke about apprenticeship opportunities and explained how young people would be supported to become fully qualified tradespeople.

Alfred Flett Ltd. are currently recruiting for apprenticeship vacancies in their business, including for an Apprentice Joiner.  If anyone is interested in this opportunity they can contact Colin or Magnus on (01856) 781 209, or by emailing [email protected] or [email protected]. 

​An event showcasing the variety of careers available in the construction industry was recently held in the Orkney Auction Mart.

​Organised by Orkney Construction Training Group (OCTG) and supported by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the Construction Careers Event was developed to showcase the different trades available, highlighting the variety of skills that are needed across the industry.

Third year pupils at Stromness Academy have recently enjoyed a week of activities during the school’s annual Careers Week.

A part of the school calendar since 2019, Careers Week was developed to support pupils in S3, who will shortly be making their subject choices for their fourth year, which can influence where they will end up after school.

This week’s Sector Spotlight is focusing on the Construction Industry.  Today, we hear from Jacqueline Argo, who is the Apprenticeships Officer for the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Jacqueline started her career as an Office Junior before becoming an Accounts Assistant.  She then became Office Manager for a construction company, and moved into her current role 12 years ago.

This week’s Sector Spotlight is on the Construction Industry.  Today we hear from Andrew Harvey, who is an Apprentice Wood Machinist with R Clouston Ltd.

​Andrew began his apprenticeship straight from school and is currently in his second year.

This week’s Sector Spotlight is focusing on the Construction Industry.  Today, we hear from Scott Barnett who is a Site Manager at Casey Construction Ltd.
 
Scott has worked at Casey Construction since 2004, prior to that he was the Assistant Manager at Jewson’s having started his career there as an Estimator.

As part of Scottish Apprenticeships Week we have shared the experiences of those currently undertaking an apprenticeship, but what happens once your apprenticeship is finished?
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Orkney Construction Training Group (OCTG) have allowed us to share a video they have made which focuses on apprentices moving on in their career - see the below from the OCTG.

We hosted a Lunch and Learn event earlier this week to help local employers learn how they can engage with their future workforce more easily.
 
Over 20 employers attended our event to hear how Founders4Schools and Marketplace can help them engage with school pupils, in a way that fits in with their business needs.