Town centre improvement brings new opportunities
Three local men have been given a chance to kick-start their careers – thanks to the ongoing town centre improvement works in Irvine.
Allan Halliday, Mathew Wilson and Jordan Brown, who between them had been unemployed for over four years, are now part of the Land Engineering team, the main contractors who will be undertaking the redevelopment of Irvine town centre.
A key aim of the current programme of streetscape works in Bridgegate was that training opportunities should be provided for local unemployed people, and this was specified in the £2 million contract.
On securing his training place Jordan Brown said “Being employed on the project has given me the opportunity to learn new skills and get into a work routine. I will gain not only good work experience but also qualification like CSCS and an SVQ level 2. What I also hope to gain more importantly is a full time job when the Bridgegate project is complete next year”
The streetscape regeneration work is being undertaken by Irvine Bay Regeneration Company and North Ayrshire Council. A further five trainees will be appointed during 2013.
On securing the first three trainees, David Irvine, Construction Director with Land Engineering said ''The three new trainees continue Land Engineering’s long established commitment of investing, training and delivering skills to the benefit of individuals who show a willingness to progress their lives in a positive manner. Land Engineering has found three such individuals''
As well as receiving on-the-job training in landscaping and general contracting, the trainees will work towards achieving a recognised SVQ Qualification.
This programme follows a similar scheme established during the Main Street improvements works in Kilwinning, which resulted in three local unemployed men receiving full time jobs with Land Engineering.
Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive, Irvine Bay said: “A key challenge for any significant physical project is how to secure long-term employment benefits. I’m therefore delighted to see the appointment of the first group of trainees.”