Citybuilding is one of Scotland’s largest construction companies providing a range of repairs and maintenance, manufacturing, construction and refurbishment across the public, private and third sectors.
Tell us more about your apprenticeship and the job you do?
Since starting my apprenticeship I have moved around a variety of sections with City Building, seeing different business areas and learning different skills and experiences from working with a variety of tradespeople. I have worked within maintenance, doing general plumbing maintenance in customer’s houses, schools and NHS buildings. Fixing leaks, changing taps, pans, sinks and clearing chokes. I worked within the Kitchen and Bathrooms section, replacing them, worked on the Wingets project, a construction project, which involved ripping out full houses and taking them back to brick. Installing all 1st fix pipework and new central heating systems and second fix pipework – baths, sinks, etc, as well as replacing gutter and downpipes. I am currently working within City Buildings Gas section completing my Gas portfolio and learning all the skills and experience I will need to allow me to pass my Gas assessment in March. All throughout my apprenticeship I have received so much support from the tradespeople I have worked with, they have always given me the time and patience to help me get where I am today.
What attracted you to this company?
I never wanted to go to University or do a desk Job, I was always interested in doing something practical. I spoke to my careers adviser regarding this and he gave me information on practical apprenticeships. I started to look these up and attended school careers fairs. This is when I came across City Building, I liked that they were encouraging about trying to get more females into construction, they had a successful apprenticeship programme and a good pass rate. I also liked that they had good conditions and sounded like they gave a lot of support.
When choosing your apprenticeship what influenced your choice and how did you get information?
I wanted to apply to City building for an apprenticeship but was unsure of what trade I wanted to do. I then applied to college to complete an NPA course were I got a taster of different trades. I enjoyed the plumbing one the best.
What are the main benefits of doing an apprenticeship?
The work experience, and you get to put what you have learned at college into Practice on site. You also earn while you learn.
Did you know that Citybuilding provide the largest construction craft apprenticeship programme in Scotland as well as operating Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries which is one of Europe’s largest supported manufacturing businesses, employing around 250 people, 50% of whom have identified as having an additional support need?
