Around 30 apprentices are now employed by the housebuilding group which is committed to sustainable career pathways for all of them.

Today marks the start of Scottish Apprenticeships Week, an initiative that aligns with Stewart Milne Group’s ethos to educate, promote and inspire individuals into a sustainable and rewarding career path.

Organised by Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Apprenticeships Week aims to promote the vital role apprentices play in supporting employers and the economy.

These apprentices play a huge part in contributing to the housebuilder’s design and build standards of excellence which are delivering distinctive and desirable communities that become great places to live.

Working in a variety of trades such as bricklaying, joinery, plumbing, electrical and painting, Stewart Milne Group apprentices receive well-rounded practical and theoretical training to gain the knowledge, skills and experience required to progress in an industry which continues to face skills shortages.

With multiple routes available, Stewart Milne Homes provides a four-year trade apprenticeship for school leavers and a two-year Fastrack programme for those looking to develop their careers into more managerial positions.

Speaking at the start of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, Stewart Milne Group HR director, Karen Catto, said: “Apprentices are vital to the growth of our business. We have been committed to attracting and developing apprentices for over forty years and, as a result of this commitment to a clear, visible career path for them, we benefit from high apprenticeship retention rates.

“The willingness to learn and specialise in a particular trade is a testament to how hard each individual works and their motivation. It’s vital that we provide a well-rounded education for each apprentice to thrive in, while also emphasising how important they are to our operations.

“We provide an excellent framework and environment for our apprentices to develop the skills required to build our new range of spacious, quality family homes and develop our innovative and sustainable approach to place-making.”

Working closely with a team of mentors, Stewart Milne Homes apprentices receive industry leading training and learning experiences which nurture and support their development whatever their age, gender, ethnicity or background.

Stewart Dalgarno, director of innovation and sustainability at Stewart Mile Group, added: “As the focus on sustainability in our industry intensifies, it’s vital that we attract and develop apprentices who bring fresh ideas and creativity to solving the challenges we face in achieving net-zero in our own operations and in the homes we design and build.

“Timber is a zero-carbon material and has been long recognised for its use in building design and continues to be crucial for modern methods of construction. This is a great option for a long-term career and an exciting time for apprentices to be working within the construction industry.”