GMG welcomed a visit from Changeworks – Scotland’s leading environmental charity – to one of their sites to help promote careers in construction to young people.
The party of teenagers had a productive day on the site in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, where a comprehensive upgrade to residential properties is taking place.
They were given an informative tour of the location in Dumbryden Grove by GMG Site Manager John Stirling, accompanied by Changeworks’ Paul Hughes, Jason Imrie and James Conway, who is their low-carbon communities officer.
The visit involved an introduction of all site members, their role and what a typical day looks like for each of them.
This was followed by a walk around the residential blocks to show homes in their original state, buildings undergoing the process of refurbishment – involving external wall insulation, render and roof work processes – and finally some of the finished articles.
A discussion was had on the merits of entering the construction industry at different levels from Modern Apprenticeship to Graduate level.
John described GMG’s current crop of apprentices, how the company are looking to add more and he spoke about the links the firm have developed with South Lanarkshire College.
All agreed that the visit was a great success – James passed on his thanks and revealed later that the feedback he received was extremely positive.
The project to improve the homes in Dumbryden Grove was commenced in August 2021 and will run for seven months.
It is the first to be undertaken by GMG for new clients Edinburgh City Council and it is being carried out in partnership with Changeworks, who have been working for more than 30 years to reduce the impact of carbon in our daily lives.
They liaise with Scottish Government agencies, local authorities, housing associations, businesses, schools, community groups and individuals to improve energy efficiency, reduce fuel poverty, prevent waste and inspire low-carbon behaviour.
