Construction recruitment expert urges youngsters to start building skills and experience early
But Ross Hammell, of Moodiesburn, says they shouldn't worry if their career path takes a few unexpected turns along the way.
Ross Hammell is corporate and social responsibility manager at McTaggart Group
One of Scotland's top construction recruitment experts has urged youngsters to start building their skills and experience early.
But Ross Hammell, of Moodiesburn, says they shouldn't worry if their career path takes a few unexpected turns along the way.
The 44-year-old is corporate and social responsibility manager at McTaggart Group, one of the country's leading housebuilders.
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As part of his role, he works closely with colleges across the country - including his old college, now Glasgow Kelvin - to help identify and support the next generation of talent coming into the construction industry.
Speaking following the third National Opportunity Day, an initiative led by Glasgow Kelvin College to celebrate the many routes into work and further study, Ross said there's never been a better time for youths to explore their options.
Glasgow Kelvin College will hold its open day this Thursday, August 14, where potential students will be able to hear first hand about the paths available to them.
Ross said: "It's not just about what you learn in a classroom, it's about how you use that knowledge to build your own path.
"We see it time and again, the young people who've thought about their future, taken on extra experience, or found ways to stand out - they're the ones who get noticed.
"It's about attitude as much as ability."
Youngsters take part in Summer School run by project creating new Monklands Hospital
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Ross' own journey took unexpected twists along the way.
He left school at 17 and began his career as an apprentice plasterer, training at Springburn College - now Glasgow Kelvin.
Since then, he has worked in community development, social housing, and skills programmes before moving into construction and community benefit roles.
He now supports hundreds of students annually across McTaggart's sites, and says he's a strong believer in colleges as engines of opportunity.
Ross added: "College was where it all started for me. I've been back three times in different roles - as a student, a partner, and an employer.
"It's absolutely vital that the private sector works hand-in-hand with colleges to develop talent.
"We're now shaping vocational courses directly, adapting programmes to meet our needs and creating tailored pathways that set young people up for real jobs.
"That kind of collaboration is only becoming more important."
One of those success stories is Liam Cox, 20, from North Lanarkshire, who left school at 16 to start a construction apprenticeship - but quickly realised it wasn't quite right for him.
He enrolled full-time in an HNC in cvil engineering at Glasgow Kelvin College, then discovered a Graduate Apprenticeship in quantity surveying with McTaggart Group and Glasgow Caledonian University.
Liam Cox left school at 16 to start a construction apprenticeship - but quickly realised it wasn't quite right for him
He beat 75 other applicants to land the place and now works four days a week on live multi-million pound projects, and spends one day at university working on academic qualifications.
Liam said: "I thought I knew what I wanted, but being on the tools just wasn't for me.
"I still wanted to work in construction, so I started looking at other ways in.
North Lanarkshire school pupils celebrate their SQA exam results
READ MORE:
"I saw the job advertised and just went for it. Now I'm getting experience and a degree at the same time.
"It's tough - juggling both - but I've learned more than I ever expected.
"My advice to any young person is don't rush into something just because you feel you have to. If it doesn't work out, that's not the end of the road. You can always change direction."
Ross believes it's this kind of initiative and adaptability that sets candidates apart.
He said: "When you're reviewing hundreds of applications, you can spot those who've really thought about their route.
"Liam had the grades, the experience, and the attitude. He knew where he wanted to go - and had already taken the steps to get there."
With the construction industry facing a major skills shortage - including in areas like renewable energy and quantity surveying - Ross believes colleges are essential to building the workforce of the future.
He added: "We're already seeing change. Graduate Apprenticeships used to be rare - now we have four running, and growing.
"Colleges like Kelvin are tapping into school-leavers earlier than ever. Some pupils are doing HNCs before they've even sat their Highers.
"That pipeline is vital. Not everyone is the 'finished product' at 18.
"Sometimes we need to help shape that. It's about giving people the tools - then backing them to succeed."
Robin Ashton, vice principal of curriculum and quality at Glasgow Kelvin College, has outlined practical tips to help you make the most of your opportunities.
He said: "Colleges are here to help every learner find their path. Exam results are important, but they're just one moment.
"What matters is using that moment to explore the possibilities and take the next step."
McTaggart Group currently employs 172 staff, with its projects supporting over 1700 jobs across Scotland - many of them in affordable housing developments.
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For more information about National Opportunity Day, or to explore your next steps in construction or college, visit www.glasgowkelvin.ac.uk.
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Construction recruitment expert urges youngsters to start building skills and experience early
Construction recruitment expert urges youngsters to start building skills and experience early But Ross Hammell, of Moodiesburn, says they shouldn't worry if their career path takes a few unexpected turns along the way. Ross Hammell is corporate and social responsibility manager at McTaggart Group One of Scotland's top construction recruitment experts has urged youngsters to start building their skills and experience early. But Ross Hammell, of Moodiesburn, says they shouldn't worry if their career path takes a few unexpected turns along the way. The 44-year-old is corporate and social responsibility manager at McTaggart Group, one of the country's leading housebuilders. Download the Lanarkshire Live app today The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7. The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you. Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android As part of his role, he works closely with colleges across the country - including his old college, now Glasgow Kelvin - to help identify and support the next generation of talent coming into the construction industry. Speaking following the third National Opportunity Day, an initiative led by Glasgow Kelvin College to celebrate the many routes into work and further study, Ross said there's never been a better time for youths to explore their options. Glasgow Kelvin College will hold its open day this Thursday, August 14, where potential students will be able to hear first hand about the paths available to them. Ross said: "It's not just about what you learn in a classroom, it's about how you use that knowledge to build your own path. "We see it time and again, the young people who've thought about their future, taken on extra experience, or found ways to stand out - they're the ones who get noticed. "It's about attitude as much as ability." Youngsters take part in Summer School run by project creating new Monklands Hospital READ MORE: Ross' own journey took unexpected twists along the way. He left school at 17 and began his career as an apprentice plasterer, training at Springburn College - now Glasgow Kelvin. Since then, he has worked in community development, social housing, and skills programmes before moving into construction and community benefit roles. He now supports hundreds of students annually across McTaggart's sites, and says he's a strong believer in colleges as engines of opportunity. Ross added: "College was where it all started for me. I've been back three times in different roles - as a student, a partner, and an employer. "It's absolutely vital that the private sector works hand-in-hand with colleges to develop talent. "We're now shaping vocational courses directly, adapting programmes to meet our needs and creating tailored pathways that set young people up for real jobs. "That kind of collaboration is only becoming more important." One of those success stories is Liam Cox, 20, from North Lanarkshire, who left school at 16 to start a construction apprenticeship - but quickly realised it wasn't quite right for him. He enrolled full-time in an HNC in cvil engineering at Glasgow Kelvin College, then discovered a Graduate Apprenticeship in quantity surveying with McTaggart Group and Glasgow Caledonian University. Liam Cox left school at 16 to start a construction apprenticeship - but quickly realised it wasn't quite right for him He beat 75 other applicants to land the place and now works four days a week on live multi-million pound projects, and spends one day at university working on academic qualifications. Liam said: "I thought I knew what I wanted, but being on the tools just wasn't for me. "I still wanted to work in construction, so I started looking at other ways in. North Lanarkshire school pupils celebrate their SQA exam results READ MORE: "I saw the job advertised and just went for it. Now I'm getting experience and a degree at the same time. "It's tough - juggling both - but I've learned more than I ever expected. "My advice to any young person is don't rush into something just because you feel you have to. If it doesn't work out, that's not the end of the road. You can always change direction." Ross believes it's this kind of initiative and adaptability that sets candidates apart. He said: "When you're reviewing hundreds of applications, you can spot those who've really thought about their route. "Liam had the grades, the experience, and the attitude. He knew where he wanted to go - and had already taken the steps to get there." With the construction industry facing a major skills shortage - including in areas like renewable energy and quantity surveying - Ross believes colleges are essential to building the workforce of the future. He added: "We're already seeing change. Graduate Apprenticeships used to be rare - now we have four running, and growing. "Colleges like Kelvin are tapping into school-leavers earlier than ever. Some pupils are doing HNCs before they've even sat their Highers. "That pipeline is vital. Not everyone is the 'finished product' at 18. "Sometimes we need to help shape that. It's about giving people the tools - then backing them to succeed." Robin Ashton, vice principal of curriculum and quality at Glasgow Kelvin College, has outlined practical tips to help you make the most of your opportunities. He said: "Colleges are here to help every learner find their path. Exam results are important, but they're just one moment. "What matters is using that moment to explore the possibilities and take the next step." McTaggart Group currently employs 172 staff, with its projects supporting over 1700 jobs across Scotland - many of them in affordable housing developments. Article continues below For more information about National Opportunity Day, or to explore your next steps in construction or college, visit *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
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