Our students took part in an event last Tuesday at the Glasgow Cathedral Square to promote Traditional Construction in the context of the Scottish Apprenticeship Week. During this event, they demonstrated Traditional Construction skills to an attendance of high school pupils from all over Glasgow. Kids were also able to have a try during hands-on taster sessions.

Tommy Campbell, Head of Sector – Construction at West College Scotland, said:

“This event is a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their skills and to inform the youth that the Modern Apprentice route is a great career path. Traditional Construction skills are crucial to maintain our architectural heritage and I am thrilled that our students are taking an active part in this.”

 Kyle, 16, was one of the students demonstrating bricklaying skills. First year apprentice at Smith Brothers Builders Ltd, he was thrilled to take part in this event:

“I’m very proud to teach the younger ones even though I’m still learning myself. I really want to pass on my passion for bricklaying. I love the design aspect of the work, the fact that you can play with patterns and colours. I want to show the kids that it’s a fantastic and very rewarding work!”

Karmen, 20, who was also demonstrating her bricklaying skills, had a specific goal in mind “I hope that this event will help to get more females interested in construction. I’m really happy to be able to demonstrate my skills to high school girls.” Karmen is first year apprentice at Taylor Wimpey.

At the roof slating station, Jordan, 17, a first year apprentice at Archibald McCorquodale & Son Ltd., was very keen to show how enjoyable his work can be. He said: “My advice to kids is to see how they enjoy roof slating and then just give it a shot!” Jordan seemed to have convinced quite a few kids. Finlay, 13 year-old pupil, said:

“Roof slating is quite hard but quite fun. It’s better than I thought it would be. I imagined that the work would be done with machines, but you really get to work with your hands. I love that!”

Jordan did more than sharing his skills with high school pupils, he also taught an MSP. Sandra White, MSP for Glasgow Kelvin, was attending the event and she took part in the hands-on skills sessions. She said: “I’m here to support the apprenticeship week and also to encourage more women to get involved. Traditional Construction is a fantastic and essential trade which we have to value and promote. I really enjoyed having a try at roof slating – and I realised that it’s very hard work!”

Employers were also present at the event and happy that this opportunity was given to their apprentices. Colin McCorquodale, who hires Jordan, said: “This event is great because it allows apprentices to do something else than usual, to increase their self-confidence and to gain even more pride in their work.” Colin is also Chairman of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, one of the organisations involved in the event. He points out:

“This is great to promote our trade. It allows us to raise awareness of the skills involved in these crafts and to make the public realise how difficult it is.”

Another key organisation involved was the Construction Industry Training Board. Richard Groom, Heritage Training Adviser at the Board, explains the importance of the event: “It’s essential for us to highlight the need to repair and maintain traditional buildings. To do so, we need two things. First, the right skills, and Modern Apprenticeships are the best way to achieve this. Second, we need owners to understand the importance of ensuring the maintenance of their building. This two-sided effort will ensure the growth of our trade and also the preservation of our architectural heritage.”

Initiated and coordinated by the Glasgow Traditional Building Forum, the event involved different organisations, including Historic Scotland, Glasgow City Council, Glasgow City Heritage Trust, The Construction Industry Training Board, The National Federation of Roofing Contractors, Glasgow Institute of Architects, National Trust for Scotland, the Stone Federation Great Britain, The Scottish Government.