A training and recruitment centre is creating over 380 local job opportunities and almost 180 work placements on a new hospital site.
The centre on the new South Glasgow Hospitals site was set up to maximise employment opportunities for local people and help support new entrants get into the construction industry.
So far, 285 posts have been filled and 82 of these posts have gone to 16-24 year olds, 185 are new entrants into the construction industry and 47 are apprenticeships. The project aims to provide 88 apprenticeships in total.
In addition, 141 out of a total of 188 work experience placements have been set up for young people from local schools and colleges.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon today (Monday) visited the centre to meet some of the local people who have benefitted from the jobs.
She said: “This new training and recruitment centre on the Southern Glasgow Hospital site is a fantastic example of how continued investment in health can help to create local jobs for local people.
“The Scottish Government is working closely with our partner agencies to create new jobs and investment across Scotland, and positive announcements, such as this one in Govan, will deliver new jobs, investment and opportunities to the local community.
“I was delighted to meet with some of the local people who have benefitted from this project and see the difference it is making to their lives.”
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Chairman, Andrew Robertson said the project always had at its heart, the benefit of the community. Mr Robertson said the project would deliver a “world class, state-of-the-art healthcare facility.”
He added
“Fundamental to this approach has been to support individuals into recruitment and training. With the completion of the new laboratory building, today marks an important milestone in delivering on the commitment made to communities.
“As the programme moves into the main construction phase with the adult and children’s hospitals, the opening of this new recruitment and training facility reinforces NHSGGC, Brookfield Multiplex and their key supply chains continued commitment to creating opportunities.”
Calum Graham, CEOof Glasgow’s Regeneration Agency said:
“Despite the current economic conditions, there are many positive opportunities on the horizon for Glasgow and its people with Community Benefit at the forefront of activity across the city for GRA with projects like the New South Glasgow Hospital Project and I am delighted that 185 new entrants have been placed into employment so far!”
The Training and Recruitment Centre was set up in partnership between NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow Regeneration Agency (GRA) and Brookfield Multiplex.
Case Studies
Steven McCall registered with Glasgow Regeneration Agencies Youth Team in April 2010, he was due to leave school but wasn’t sure what he wanted to do next. Steven worked alongside his advisor and developed an interest in getting into construction.
Steven decided to go back to school and, over the course of 2011, learned about the construction industry. After taking an employability workshop delivered through the training centre, Steven was successful in gaining a plumbing apprenticeship with Mercury Engineering.
Stephen has said: “I’m really enjoying work – I feel really positive about the future as before I left school I was really worried that I wouldn’t be able to find a job.
“I have some friends at school who ask all the time how I’m getting on – how did I get this apprenticeship and how can they get a chance and so I can’t thank everyone involved enough for this opportunity.”
Christopher Fraser first registered with Glasgow Regeneration Agencies in April 2007, and gained a place on a joinery apprenticeship scheme.
Unfortunately, his employer went into administration, and in April 2010 Chris found himself unemployed. Chris has now found a new opportunity with Dunne Building & Civil Engineering Ltd and got the chance to re-join his apprenticeship.
Christopher said: “I never thought I would get a my career going again after being made redundant. GRA were a great support just when I needed them and working for Dunne is tough but giving me a real opportunity to learn.
“I’m also attending Cardonald College part time in the evenings to complete an HNC Construction Management course – this is just the beginning for me!”
Stephen McShane registered with Glasgow Regeneration Agencies in September 2010. He had been unemployed for a year.
Working closely with his advisor, Stephen indicated that he would like to get into construction but realised that he would need some training. Stephen was helped to access funding and completed Asbestos Awareness training and also refreshed his CSCS certification.
In March 2011 Stephen was submitted to Brookfield Multiplex who were recruiting for a General Construction Operative and was offered the position.
Stephen said: “I’ve been working over a year now with Brookfield and this job has made a big difference in my lifestyle and is providing some security over the next three years with any luck!
“I’m saving for a rainy day, my confidence and wellbeing has improved and I feel more positive about future job prospects beyond this project. I have a son working on site and my other son is being interviewed for an apprenticeship –so hopefully three people in my family could be in employment – that’s not bad!”
Joanne Donnelly is one of hundreds of people that have accessed the project through the online jobs portal. When the Office Manager Role was advertised for Brookfield Multiplex – Glasgow Regeneration Agencies contacted Joanne about submitting her CV.
Joanne was successful in gaining the position. In the course of this recruitment Joanne had identified that she would like formal training and qualification to help future proof her career options. Glasgow Regeneration Agencies worked alongside Brookfield Multiplex and are now mentoring and delivering an Adult Modern Apprenticeship in Business Administration to Joanne.
Related Information
The Training and Recruitment Centre on the new South Glasgow Hospitals campus opened in June 2011.
A dedicated recruitment team from the Glasgow Regeneration Agency work in the centre, and engage with contractors working on the project on job opportunities. The team also provide a single point of contact and support for individuals interested in working on the project.