SEVEN apprentices are being given the chance to forge a career with developer CALA Homes (East) after receiving a helping hand from the Prince’s Trust’s Get Into Construction programme.

After impressing during four weeks of work experience, the seven were rewarded with four-year modern apprenticeships – and have just started their second year, working at sites across Straiton, Currie, Ratho and Dunbar.

Callum Cunningham, 21, from Prestonpans is an apprentice bricklayer at CALA Homes’ Castle Bay Development in Dunbar who has his sights set on starting up his own company once he’s completed his placement.  

He said: “Before starting my apprenticeship I was lacking motivation, sleeping in and never wanting to get up for work - now I’ve really found my calling. My team give me a lot of responsibility and really take pride in teaching me things. I love it because the work is so hands on.

Stephen Brown, 24, from Falkirk, an apprentice joiner working at CALA’s Craigpark development in Ratho, said: “Prior to starting my apprenticeship, I was working in a couple of call centres and warehouses. I’d always wanted an apprenticeship as I’m a practical person but found them extremely difficult to get.

With new sites launching in Balerno, Haddington and Gullane, CALA is looking at potentially taking on more apprentices in the coming year.

Craig Leishman, contract manager at CALA Homes (East) said: “Getting involved in the Prince’s Trust apprenticeship scheme has been a very rewarding experience for all involved.

“We've had great success and recruited passionate and hardworking young men. In return we have been flooded with positive messages on how this opportunity has given them a career that they are passionate about, but most importantly ambitions for the future.

“With the huge number of homes needing to be built in the coming years to address the shortfall, it is imperative that Scotland has the skilled workforce required for the task – these apprenticeships are a big part of the solution”.