Supporting our young workforce

At Urban Union we understand the importance of not only providing affordable housing, but the career opportunities that are created in building homes and communities.

As one example, we run apprenticeship programmes whereby we periodically welcome new apprentices to our developments. The launch of this initiative on our self-delivery sites earlier this year coincided with National Apprentice Week, which raises awareness of apprenticeships and the range of opportunities they offer to young people.

Two apprentices Jimmy Callaghan, 17, and Jake Clark, 19, joined Urban Union in an administrator and a labourer role, respectively. Throughout their 12-week placement, they undertook job-shadowing tasks and gained valuable work experience within the organisation. To ensure their understanding of construction sites, the apprentices also completed mandatory site safety training.

These young men both originated from Glasgow’s G5 postcode, where 200 homes are currently being built as part of Phase 2 of the Laurieston Living development, which is due to be completed by the end of 2021. Phase 2 has now sold out and we are looking towards Phase 3 which is currently in planning. Built in partnership with New Gorbals Housing Association, Urban Union have already delivered 364 affordable and private homes in the first phase of development.

Urban Union’s £140m revitalisation of the Gorbals area forms part of the wider ‘Transforming Communities: Glasgow’ programme that aims to regenerate eight key neighbourhoods across the city.