FMB fact finding mission to FVC Alloa Campus

FMB fact finding mission to FVC Alloa Campus
FMB Visit to Alloa Campus

Forth Valley College’s Alloa Campus was the venue for a fact-finding mission for the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in the run up to Scottish Apprenticeship Week – from 7-11 March 2022.

Gordon Nelson, FMB’s Scotland Director visited the campus to speak with Modern Apprentice Bricklayer Liam Adamson and his employer Peter Archibald the Managing Director of Haldane Construction Services Ltd – who are based in Falkirk, and also take in a tour of the facility led by Julie Hayward a Business Partner in FVC’s Department of Business Development in order to write up a blog for the week long apprenticeship celebration.

Liam was happy to talk through his career journey and how the MA bricklaying at FVC was benefitting him and Peter was able to answer Gordon’s questions on how the industry was faring as society emerges from lockdown restrictions.

Gordon used the opportunity to use his research to help him write a fascinating blog published this week and available on the FMB website in their ‘builders blog’ section  https://bit.ly/3KbMKmq , on how valuable Modern Apprenticeship training through a reputable programme provider such as Forth Valley College, can be for established and reputable construction firms.

Gordon said: “Meeting Liam at Forth Valley College's Alloa Campus enabled me to gain further insights into the high quality training and support he is experiencing as a Modern Apprentice Bricklayer. Listening to Liam and FMB Member Peter Archibald, whilst touring the impressive facilities, has given me valuable material for my blog on celebrating construction apprenticeships for Scottish Apprenticeship Week. My thanks to Julie Hayward from Forth Valley College for hosting us."

Liam (32) from Cumbernauld, who has worked at Haldane Construction Services Ltd for the past 10 years, holding various roles from general labouring, groundworks to bricklaying, said: “I was happy to speak with Gordon from the FMB and answer the questions he had.

“When my employer recommended the Forth Valley College MA course to me I was all for it, it looked like a great opportunity to enhance my skills and further my career.

"One big difference I have already noticed in myself, is in my confidence. Even after the first few weeks of college, I'd taken in a lot of information and was able to show this knowledge back on site, both verbally and physically. This gave me a lot of confidence in myself within the workplace.

“Given the circumstances of the pandemic when our course started, the facilities have been amazing and we are able to use the workshop to the full extent. The use of the classrooms and libraries is also very helpful. Colin and John our lecturers have been exceptional with us – they have a passion for teaching and it shows in every lesson. I speak for the whole class on that. Julie our Business Partner has been brilliant with us also - always communicating with us, keeping in touch and visiting the class regularly for reviews.

“I can't fault my experience at FVC, the college and lecturers are all of a high standard and I have improved so much in a short period of time and that's all down to this course and the people involved.

“The best bit for me so far has been seeing my own improvement has been great but meeting all the other guys in the class and lecturers John and Colin have been nothing but a joy. We’re lucky to have such a keen group wanting to better themselves - everyone in the class is improving and it's great to see.

“My advice to anyone considering taking up an apprenticeship would be to take your chance! This college has everything for you to succeed and everyone involved only wants to see you progress and become better. Don't waste the opportunity.

Peter, whose firm Haldane Construction Services Ltd were awarded the title of FMB Building Company of the Year (Scotland) in 2021, said: “Myself and my fellow members of the Federation of Master Builders across Scotland communicate with Gordon Nelson frequently on the changes we see within the industry. We all feel this is very important as it keeps the FMB informed in real time, allowing them to act quickly on our behalf. I was delighted to come along to speak with Gordon in person at Forth Valley College’s Alloa Campus, where my employee Liam Adamson is currently studying.

“Good Modern Apprentices are very important to us and the construction industry, they give our business a sustainable future and play a huge part in narrowing the skills shortage within the construction sector. It is important to get that message across along with showcasing the talents of our new generation of builders especially as we continue to charter our way through some of the most unprecedented times within our industry.”

Julie Hayward, Business Partner at FVC, said: “We were delighted to help Gordon, meet up with Liam and Peter at our Alloa Campus recently, to enable him to do some research and fact-finding for his Scottish Apprenticeship Week blog. The support our MAs get from firms such as Haldane Construction Services and organisations like the Federation of Master Builders is second to none and that makes our job easier to help train the next generation of construction professionals.”

More information:

https://www.forthvalley.ac.uk/ways-to-study/modern-apprenticeships/

https://www.forthvalley.ac.uk/industry-training/modern-apprenticeships/

https://www.forthvalley.ac.uk/ways-to-study/modern-apprenticeships-student/