‘I want to have a trade and the chance to earn good money’
Partnership between plumbing firm and college paying off
A TEENAGER from Greenock is one of the new college recruits hoping to work his way into an plumbing apprenticeship thanks to a pioneering new academy.
Adam Scott, who lives in Larkfield, is among this year’s intake for the James Paterson Academy at the West College Scotland Greenock campus.
The hugely successful partnership between the leading firm and further education hub is continuing this year and bosses from the company visited the campus to tell the class about the opportunities and doors that will open up thanks to their course.
Former Inverclyde Academy pupil Adam said: “I jumped at the chance to get into the academy. I want to have a trade and the chance to earn good money. This opportunity came up and I am determined to take it.
“I am really enjoying it and I am gaining great experience from being here. It is a really busy time for me because I have a job at night as well. I am busy at college during the day and earning at night. But I know I have to work hard if I want to get this.
“As part of the course we get our CSCS card which gets us onto sites as well,”
Fellow student James Murray, who travels to Inverclyde to take part in the academy, is also delighted to have landed a place on the training scheme.
He said: “I have always wanted to be a plumber, so it is brilliant to get this chance and I am working so hard.”
James Paterson & Son work with some of the biggest housebuilders in the country at various sites. Owner Lee Paterson joined contracts manager Ian Macdonald to let the new recruits know what they are looking for. Last year the firm took on two apprentices from the WCS academy.
College lecturer Lee
Clark says it is valuable for the college to be working with the firm again.
He said: “It is great that they are investing in our young people in Inverclyde. These are good opportunities for young people in an area where there is sometimes a lack of jobs.
“The first academy was a brilliant success and we hope to continue this.”