As part of the contract, McTaggart Construction have recruited two new apprentices: North Ayrshire teenagers Lewis Steele and Joe Wardell, both aged 17, both secured trade apprenticeships within the McTaggart Group of businesses.

Heather Anderson, head of service delivery at Irvine Housing Association, said: “As a leading housing charity, Irvine Housing Association is committed to building more high quality, affordable homes in our areas of operation and meeting the local housing need as identified by the North Ayrshire Local Housing Strategy 2017-2022.

“A vibrant, expanding housing sector can stimulate economic growth by sustaining and creating local employment, and supporting regeneration. We have successfully invested in and supported numerous youth employment initiatives and are delighted to support the apprentices as they begin their career in construction.”

McTaggart Group’s managing director, Gary Climson, said: “Developing a pipeline of young talent to fill roles across our Group of companies is a key business objective and apprenticeships are a mainstay of the tangible value we offer clients and communities. It’s particularly satisfying when we’re able to recruit from the areas we’re building new homes, as one of our primary aims is to help create sustainable communities.”

The boys join an established apprenticeship programme at McTaggart’s, where 8% of the workforce are apprentices and all young people are in formal training which will result in recognised qualifications.