New 'Try the Trades' Initiative Offers First Class Work Experience

South Ayrshire Council has launched a new 'Try the Trades' initiative, which provides young people with the opportunity to gain work experience in a variety of different trades.

Our Property Maintenance and Thriving Communities teams have taken a collaborative approach to deliver a hands-on work experience programme, providing participants with invaluable skills and support to explore the career opportunities within the trades sector.

Designed for school leavers who are interested in starting their career in building, groundworks, and maintenance, the programme offers practical experience while participants work on real projects under the mentorship of experienced employees from our Property Maintenance team and the Ayrshire Roads Alliance.

The current cohort has benefitted from experience in plumbing, painting, labouring, and groundwork, in addition to undertaking theory courses including health and safety, first aid, moving and handling, and Construction Skills Certificate Scheme. Once individuals have completed their initial training, our Property Maintenance team pair trainees with a skilled operative of their preferred trade to facilitate further work experience.

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Councillor Bob Pollock, said: "The 'Try the Trades' programme is an exciting new work experience initiative for school leavers. The collaboration between Property Maintenance and Thriving Communities allows us to bridge the gap between unemployment after education and career opportunities within the trades sector. All participants will benefit from invaluable exposure to the skills that are in high demand, while empowering young people to make informed decisions about their futures."

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Buildings, Housing and Environment, Councillor Martin Kilbride, said: "This is a great opportunity for school leavers who are interested in a career within the trades. Our skilled employees from Property Maintenance provide trainees with valuable experience on current projects across a range of craft trades, whilst the provision of essential qualifications, such as health and safety, ensure that young people are fully equipped when entering the world of work."