McTaggart expert urges young people to build skills earl

Glasgow Times

a day ago

Ross Hammell, 44, from Moodiesburn, works closely with colleges across the country to help identify and support future talent in the construction industry.
The corporate and social responsibility manager at McTaggart Group, 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.
Liam Cox (Image: Supplied) "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."
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His comments follow the third National Opportunity Day, an initiative led by Glasgow Kelvin College to highlight different routes into work and further study.
Mr Hammell left school at 17 and began his career as an apprentice plasterer, training at Springburn College, now Glasgow Kelvin.
He said: "College was where it all started for me.
Gary Sharp, right, student support service manager at Glasgow Kelvin College pictured with Ruslan Popov Karhunvatukka, left, Alumni student of Photography and Leigh Benn (Image: .Supplied) "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 success story is 20-year-old Liam Cox from North Lanarkshire, who left school at 16 to start a construction apprenticeship but soon realised it was not the right fit.
He later enrolled full-time in an HNC in civil engineering at Glasgow Kelvin College, before securing a graduate apprenticeship in quantity surveying with McTaggart Group and Glasgow Caledonian University.
He beat 75 other applicants to land the place.
He 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. 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.'
Mr Hammell said 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.'