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Article in Housing Scotland Today on the 4th March 2009.
Hillcrest's Toolbox Project is going from strength to strength. Even in the current climate Hillcrest has been able to secure work placements for young people with a number of local contractors in various trades.
John Mulloy, Hillcrest Group Chief Executive, commented 'We are especially excited to be offering placements on this occassion because of the slump that the construction industry is facing. We have been able to use our reputation with local firms to encourage them to participate by offering a young person a placement.
'When the economy recovers from this recession the building trade is going to boom. With an aging employee group, inititives like our Toolbox project are essential. It gives young people the opportunity to learn skills and get experience they need to be successful in the construction industry.'
The latest group of young people have just embarked on a 13 week placement with companies including Brown Construction, JD Electrical, PW Hutchison and Hillcrest's internal maintenance company, Hillcrest Maintenance Services. As well as the invaluable experience during the 13 weeks, they will have the opportunity to work towards a recognised SVQ qualification in Construction and Civil Engineering.
Darren McKell commented on his first day that,'I'm really excited to be starting this placement. I'd really like to work in construction so hopefully this experience wil help me get a job at the end of it. The fact you can get a qualification while doing the work is brilliant - much better than sitting in a classroom.'
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