Around 30 Construction students at Forth Valley College were given an insight to what employers are looking for during MA Week 2017.
Guest speakers from Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), Fraser Bruce Group from Stirling and Aspen Building Services based in Falkirk visited the FVC Falkirk Campus on Wednesday 8 March to give the youngsters advice and tips on how to impress future employers.
Christine Tyrell, Apprenticeships Officer at CITB, said:
“It was an excellent group of students and excellent insight into what it is like to work in the construction industry. Both Fraser and Susan from Aspen Building Services gave tips and advice to the students and it is these tips that can make a huge difference when going to an interview for example. It has been very worthwhile.”
Susan Fleming, owner of Aspen Building Services which has been based in Falkirk for 11 years specialising in curtain wallings, said:
“My son came here to Forth Valley College to do joinery and I am here today as a mum and as an employer and I know what it is like when you are just starting out in the trade. I was happy to talk with the students, give them benefit of my experience and some of them have taken away my business card and if anyone gets in touch with me I will certainly respond to them.”
Fraser Bruce, owner of the Fraser Bruce Group for more than 30 years and specialising in multiple trades including waterproofing, industrial flooring and structural repairs, said:
“It was absolutely brilliant. The attention from the students and the general response from them to us, was fabulous. Afterwards some came up to speak to me and introduce themselves. One said he had dyslexia and we talked about how that needn’t be a barrier to a career in construction. I would be happy to interview any of them for a job!”
Danny Houston, Curriculum Manager in FVC’s Department of Construction, said:
“We can’t thank Christine, Susan and Fraser enough for coming in to chat with this group of full-time Construction students. I am sure they will benefit enormously from what they all had to say and it will inspire them to make the most of their studies here at the college and make them more employable in the future.”