Tag: Open Day

Minister supports Edinburgh College Apprenticeship event

Annabelle Ewing meets Edinburgh College construction apprentices

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Edinburgh College threw open its doors for a Construction Apprenticeship Open Day today to give young people the chance to find out about industry career routes and link up with employers and training providers. 

And the minister for youth and women’s employment, Annabelle Ewing MSP, called in this afternoon to support the event – and gamely tried her hand at some  traditional construction skills too!

The college has teamed up with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and Historic Scotland to demonstrate the kinds of apprenticeship opportunities available to potential apprentices, employers and careers advisors, and professional development opportunities for tradespeople.

Around 30 training providers, construction companies, local councils, universities, equipment suppliers, skills organisations and heritage groups were on hand to show how they can support apprentices, employers and professionals to find the careers, employees and skills they need, as well as funding opportunities.

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The event was packed with stands, demonstrations, presentations and the chance to try out construction skills, with a focus on traditional construction skills: guests and visitors were invited to try stonemasonry, carpentry and joinery, roofing, plastering, brickwork, painting and decorating and plumbing – and some even tested their skills on mini diggers!

Hundreds expected at annual emergency services open day

Hundreds of people are expected to attend the annual emergency services open day on Saturday 13 July from 11am – 3pm at McDonald Road fire station.

Hosted by the newly formed Scottish Fire and Rescue Service this free day welcomes locals to enjoy a selection of displays, demonstrations and fun activities run by the stations’ firefighters and other partners.

Firefighter Neil Bertram from McDonald Road fire station has organised this event for the last 4 years. He said: “The emergency services open day is always a great day out and it’s FREE! Last year we had almost 800 people through our doors at McDonald Road Fire Station. Located off Leith Walk, Edinburgh.

“The Police, Scottish Ambulance Service and Coastguard will all be represented on the day. It’s a great opportunity to come along, see an operational station and find out more about the emergency services and the role they play in keeping our communities safe.

“From our side we will have fire appliances on display. The height appliance will be working throughout the event, our community safety vehicle (CSV) will also be used and staff from our Community Safety team will be on hand to give advice and answer questions on Fire Safety in the Home and offer free visits. The training centre will be carrying out fire extinguisher and fire blanket demonstrations. The public will also have the opportunity to wear a Breathing Apparatus set and enter our breathing apparatus training pod, allowing people to get a taste of navigating in zero visibility to rescue a casualty.

“The feedback was great from the public last year, so NEW this year will be displays from crews demonstrating their working at heights skills and one of the `Phoenix crews` who are our young firefighters and they will be demonstrating ladder and pump drills.

“We also hope to raise money to help both our chosen charities again this year who are, `The Fire Fighters Charity` and `Hillview Children’s Unit` who offer intensive support and respite to children and young people persons with disabilities.

“Hopefully the weather will be kind to us again this year and we would urge people to pop along for what promises to be an educational, enjoyable and most importantly, family fun day out.”

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