Construction Skills Learners Deliver High-Quality Project for Morrison Construction

Last week learners from local secondary schools successfully completed their Foundation
Apprenticeship in Construction Skills programme at West College Scotland, presenting their
final project to industry representatives. The course, which combines both theoretical and
practical learning, was greatly supported by Morrison Construction, who provided site visits
and a work-based challenge to enhance the learners’ experience throughout the
programme.

The group comprised of learners from seven Renfrewshire schools: Castlehead High
School, Gleniffer High School, Park Mains High School, Renfrew High School, Trinity High
School, Paisley Grammar School, and St Andrews Academy.
The local young people completed their work-based challenge unit, alongside National
Progression Award (NPA) units. This approach enabled the learners not only to grow their
technical and practical abilities but also to develop crucial meta-skills, such as teamwork and
problem-solving. Over the course of the programme, two groups of learners collaborated to
design and produce Health and Safety signage boards to a detailed specification provided
by the employer.

The final presentation, held in one of college’s workshops, saw Sophie Friel, Morrison
Construction Community & Social Impact Trainee and Stephen Kennedy, Site Manager at
Johnstone Joiners on hand to assess the finished products. Stephen Kennedy was highly
impressed by the quality and precision of the work, highlighting the intricate angles and cuts
that showcased the learners’ skill, teamwork, and commitment.
The completed Health and Safety boards will soon be installed at the new Paisley Grammar
School site, serving as a testament to the learners’ hard work and dedication.
Sophie Friel, Community & Social Impact Trainee said, “Morrison Construction are
delighted with their new Health & Safety notice boards made by the Foundation
Apprenticeship students and are excited to be sponsoring West College Scotland’s ‘Work
Based Challenge Unit’ again this year.’

Derek Smillie, Curriculum Quality Leader at West said, “It has been fantastic to see
these young people rise to the challenge, demonstrating not only their technical skills but
also their ability to work as a team. The project required precision and dedication, and the
learners delivered to an exceptionally high standard. It’s clear they’ve gained skills that will
benefit them greatly in their future careers in the construction industry.”