Trainees receive certificates after pre-employment training

A Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership (DGHP) training scheme is “leading the way” in training local construction workers.

The programme, which is organised by DGHP, is run in partnership with the Scottish Government, Dumfries and Galloway College and British Gas.

Trainees from across the region took part in the 16-week pre-employment training programme where they gained new skills and worked in real life situations with British Gas and their subcontractors.

Those completing the training, from Dumfries, Lockerbie and New Galloway, were presented with certificates at a special awards ceremony held recently at the Easterbrook Hall in Dumfries.

David McMillan, Vice-Chairman of DGHP, who presented the certificates on the day, said: “DGHP is leading the way in training local construction workers and it’s a great thing to be a part of. The skills these trainees have learned are the key to future development of the region. I am delighted that DGHP remains such an important part of this scheme.”

All 11 trainees gained certificates in construction and non-construction, where they learned new skills in pipework joining, energy efficiency, construction safety and emergency first aid.

Alex Dingwall, of British Gas, said: “It just goes to show that there are opportunities out there for people in Dumfries and Galloway. Considering how forward thinking DGHP is, it can only be a good thing to be involved with the training of people in this area.”

James Shirazi, Director of Investment and Regeneration at DGHP added: “The skills these men have learned over the course of their training will prove to be invaluable to them in the world of work. Something that never ceases to surprise me is the commitment and the hard work of those who come through the projects.”

Kenny Hilsley, of Dumfries and Galloway College, said: “I would like to thank DGHP for their continued support for the local construction industry. It is a fine example of another successful partnership working between all the agencies involved.

“We have got to make sure the region is ready for development and that the skills required are here when the construction industry begins to rebuild in this region.”

Photograph shows trainees who received their certificates from David McMillan, Vice-Chairman of DGHP, including: Alan Welsh; Allan Patterson; Chris Astley; Chris Forster; David Barrett; David Milligan; Douglas Patterson; Eric Burton; Ian Ferries; Jay Ingram and Michael Pool.