Apprenticeship schemes have been praised for nurturing a young workforce for Moray while retaining talent in the region.
Springfield Properties has begun construction on huge developments in the south of Elgin with other projects under way across the north and the rest of the country.
Yesterday, which marked the beginning of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, the firm stressed the education programmes were an essential part or investing in the work force.
Further and Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead visited a site in Elgin to see for himself the work being done by the trainees – praising the work done by the firm for local youngsters.
James Collie, from Dufftown, has already been attending classes at Moray College UHI for two years to work towards a joinery qualification.
And the 17-year-old, who is a second-year apprentice, believes the opportunity given to him has helped him work towards career goals that would not have been there for him otherwise.
He said: “I mostly liked woodwork at school. I knew I wanted to do something working with my hands – I probably wasn’t the brainiest though so wasn’t going to get into university or college.
“I just wanted to get working right away. It’s gone so quick. It feels great to see a project you’ve worked on come together.”
Events are being held across the country as part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week on the theme of “talent without limits” to celebrate work-based learning.
Springfield’s north managing director, Dave Main, revealed the firm was currently supporting 153 employees through either apprenticeships or further training – which is 21% of its workforce.
He added: “An apprenticeship offers local youngsters a career route into Springfield and is an invaluable opportunity to grow the skills the company needs now and in the future.
“It’s important we help develop their skills in a practical environment, with experienced tradesmen they can learn from, while they are being taught the theory of their trade at college.”
Mr Lochhead said: “Springfield told me they working on the basis that at least 10% of their workforce will always be in training and they aim to have 70 apprentices at any one time.
“It’s insightful to hear about the pathway that young people have followed – some of whom have come straight from school.
“It’s a big benefit to Moray that they don’t have to look outside of the area to get these opportunities.”
