SCHOOL leavers across the Barrhead area are being urged to pick up their tools and join a contruction skills course. The opportunity is a joint initiative between East Renfrewshire Council, in partnership with Reid Kerr College.

The course, scheduled to start on September 3, will be delivered in Barrhead at the Reid Kerr Skills Centre in Robertson Street and will be funded through Skills Development Scotland's Get Ready for Work programme.

Craig Walton a trainee on the current course said: "I'm enjoying learning about different trades and it's great to be getting a wage whilst attending college."

The training itself includes a National Progression Award at Intermediate Level 2 in Construction with participation in a series of units involving activities in each of the main trades including brickwork, carpentry and joinery, roofing and plumbing skills.

Other practical activities are included to allow for team work, working with others and problem solving activities and information technology.

Work placements are also built into the course to allow individuals real work experience with the potential to build good relationships with employers.

Elaine Cheatley, who is managing the programme for East Renfrewshire Council, described the course as "a great opportunity for young people in East Renfrewshire who are interested in pursuing a career in a construction trade." She added: "Although the course isn't due to start until 3 September, we are keen to make offers to young people before the end of June so that they can enjoy their summer knowing that they will be going to college in September."

One local employer who has worked with the programme is JM Vehicle Services.

Owner Jim Mungall recruited Joe Foy to work with him from Reid Kerr College.

Jo said: "I was treated like an adult, not a kid. I was able to find out about my employer before taking up a job and I was able to build up a good relationship with my employer during my placement."

Anyone interested in finding out more about this Get Ready for Work course should first of all contact Shona Curran, Skills Development Scotland on 0141 881 2886.

Closing date for applications is Friday June 8.