Tulloch Homes has announced plans to employ up to 10 apprentices a year in a drive to “grown its own” young talent.
The Inverness-based firm will work with Inverness College and the Construction Industry Training Board in helping the apprentices to become fully-trained journeymen.
Tulloch told the Press and Journal it represented a “significant” investment by the firm, which has already launched a scheme to develop its next generation of site managers.
Chief executive George Fraser said: “This is another element of several million pounds-worth of new investment in the Highlands this year.
“We’ve taken on apprentices in ones and twos during the downturn, but now that the construction sector has turned the corner we’ve decided to build up an annual programme of apprentice recruitment.
“All going well, we hope to employ 50 new apprentices over the next five years – by which time this year’s tranche will be fully qualified.”
He added:”We’re convinced that growing your own is the way to go, so that young people can become immersed in the way we do things and our strong and increasing commitment to health and safety.
“The construction sector has a relatively ageing workforce and our taking on aspiring tradesmen over the coming years will, we hope, be successful for Tulloch and the individuals concerned, giving them fine career opportunities.”