Emily recently visited an impressive new structure which she helped design and build with Paisley-based construction company City Gate Construction (CGC). The Barrhead High School pupil visited the Scottish Ambulance Service’s Linwood centre where CGC constructed an impressive steel canopy.
The structure is designed to protect the ambulance service’s vehicles from weather conditions when they and their dedicated staff are not out saving lives.
Civil Engineering student Emily played a key role in the whole process as part of her Foundation Apprenticeship from West College Scotland.
She spent one day a week with City Gate Construction as part of its “Bright Futures” initiative to help young people find a pathway into rewarding careers.
Bright Futures is CGC’s initiative to support young people through apprenticeships and workplace learning.
Emily was involved in every aspect of the job which CGC won after a tendering process from the Scottish Ambulance Service.
Emily chose a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of her school subjects and said:
During my time on site I was introduced to all aspects of civil engineering. Everyone at City Gate Construction was really welcoming. The apprenticeship helped me realise that civil engineering is what I want to do with my life.
Emily also worked on a range of construction-related jobs carried out by CGC for Renfrewshire Council.
Councillor John Shaw, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board, said: “I’m pleased to see Emily gaining great experience through the opportunities City Gate Construction has provided to her. We are very keen to see local businesses tender for Renfrewshire Council contracts and want these contracts to include community benefits, whether that’s a work experience placement or support for a community project. “City Gate Construction has been very proactive and flexible in its approach to this and importantly is giving young people like Emily the chance to learn new skills.”
Leo Reilly, Managing Director of CGC said: “Emily personifies the enthusiasm of a talented and driven young woman keen to succeed in her career choice. We were delighted to give her workplace experience which undoubtedly enhanced her apprenticeship as part of our Bright Futures programme.”
Dave Palmer, Commercial Director of CGC added: “Emily will be an asset to any organisation given that she showed immense skill and dedication during her placement. The partnership of further education institutions such as West College and ourselves demonstrates that when we work together we can build bright futures for young people like Emily.
“So much work in a young person’s early career is done on paper or computer. We felt it was vital for Emily’s experience and CV to see the transformation of a building from paper, to design, and ultimately to construction
“We know that this vision is shared by Renfrewshire Council in its drive to help get young people into work and Skills Development Scotland in their work with Foundation Apprenticeships.”
If you'd like to know more about our Foundation Apprenticeship offering click here
*CGC acknowledge the willingness and co-operation of the Scottish Ambulance Service to allow photography of the completed structure at Linwood.