THIRTEEN trainees from across Ayrshire have graduated from the first Get into Civil Engineering programme.

This programme was designed and available to 18 to 25 years old who were unemployed in Ayrshire.

It was based at Barr’s Killoch base.

And six of them have now gained full-time apprenticeship places.

The Prince’s Trust, a leading youth employment charity that supports young people into education, jobs and self-employment and Barr recognised the need to develop skills in civil engineering in Ayrshire. The Prince’s Trust have been working in conjunction with Barr and Edutrain, a dedicated and experienced education and training company to deliver the programme.

Applications were received from young people across the region with interviews and two 'taster day’ sessions helping to select candidates for the 13 places, who then joined the free four-week training course on the 28 July. The programme has provided trainees with the opportunity to learn and gain practical experience in a number of Barr’s business areas including quarrying; road construction; recycling and waste management; plant and equipment; and testing. In addition, the trainees received a formal health and safety qualification as part of the course.

The trainees also received a visit from The Advocate General for Scotland Lord Wallace, who listened to presentations from the group which covered a diverse range of topics.

The programme culminated in a graduation ceremony hosted at Dumfries House and was attended by senior members of staff from The Prince’s Trust, Barr, Edutrain as well as family and friends.

Six of the trainees have been offered a full-time position on Barr’s apprenticeship programme. The Prince’s Trust is working with partners to find other training and employment opportunities for the remaining young people.

Commenting on the Get into Civil Engineering programme, Bill Weir, Barr’s Managing Director said, “The programme has exceeded our expectations and we look forward to working with our new employees and The Prince’s Trust in furthering their development.” Allan Watt, Director of The Prince’s Trust, Scotland continued, “Our 'Get into’ programme brings together employers and The Prince’s Trust to offer courses in everything from cooking to security. We would love to hear from any young person who wants to find out what opportunities we can offer to help them get a job, an education or start their own business.”