GMG’s employment policy targets disadvantaged local communities, with 90 per cent of apprentices recruited from areas with high levels of disadvantage.
Many apprentices hold no formal qualifications prior to starting work at GMG, so, where required, those in need of learning support are offered assistance.
Almost all of them progress to become tradesmen – a commitment to young workers that led to the company being granted “Investors in Young People” status in 2014 and ultimately achieving Investors in Young People Gold status.
GMG was the first construction company in Scotland to recognised in this way, and it was also heavily involved with the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce (the Wood Commission), which reported in 2014.
Influencing apprenticeship and trade skills certification and accreditation through external activities is a high priority at GMG.
The company works with the Construction Industry Training Board and National Federation of Roofing Contractors to develop SVQ modules and National Occupational Standards, including piloting a Modern Apprenticeship SVQ Level 2 in conjunction with South Lanarkshire College in East Kilbride.
GMG is active in developing relevant and trade-specific training and accreditation (such as in roof tiling and external rendering). This aligns with the operational requirements of the business, so the company can promote seasonal/demand-aligned college attendance and place greater emphasis on site-based assessment.
Creating the right environment for early and continuing skills formation underpins the company’s recent commitment to construct an on-site training centre that:
GMG apprentices receive many additional benefits, some of which include:
