West College Scotland logo
7 March 2016

College Apprenticeships showcased at the Traditional Building Skills Event

Share this article

Our Apprentices were delighted to be involved at the Traditional Building Skills Event in Glasgow on Monday 29 February which was running as part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week.

DSC_0944

The event, which was hosted in The Briggait Glasgow gave local school pupils the opportunity to experience hands-on skills tasters and skills demonstrations in a range of skills essential for the competent repair and maintenance of Scotland’s built heritage.

Tommy Campbell Head of Sector for Construction at the College said, ‘This was a great event for showing pupils the variety of jobs that are available out there. Our students did an excellent job showcasing their skills and explaining to the pupils why Modern Apprentices are a great way to start their careers.

Traditional Construction skills are crucial to maintain our architectural heritage and I am thrilled that our students took an active part in showcasing their talents.

Skills tasters and demonstrations at the event included, Brickwork, Carpentry and Joinery, Painting and Decorating, Plastering, Roof Slating, Stained Glass and Stonemasonry, and were provided by members of the Glasgow Traditional Building Forum including National Federation of Roofing Contractors, Stone Federation Great Britain, West College Scotland, Glasgow City College and Historic Environment Scotland with expert guidance from Glasgow City Heritage Trust.

The skills tasters were very popular throughout the event and all the organisers were key this was a pivotal part of the event. Torsten Haak, Director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust commented, ‘ I think it’s very important that young people can see what’s possible, but also so they can give it a go to see if they like it. They might not realise they have an interest until they have actually tried it.’

Carol Monaghan MP who visited to see demonstrations of traditional building skills, said:

It was a pleasure to come along to the Briggait and to meet with the college students from West College Scotland, currently learning these traditional skills as well as the school pupils who are considering this as a career themselves.

“Scotland’s built heritage is of vital importance. We see it, not just in our key public buildings but also in the sandstone tenements and houses that you can see throughout Glasgow."