A new intake of apprentices has begun work with Mears through North Lanarkshire Council’s Enterprise contract, joining an established training pipeline tied to the council’s Strategic Housing and Repairs Partnership.
The 4-year apprenticeship program blends day-to-day site experience with nationally recognized qualifications. More than 130 apprentices are currently progressing through the program with Mears, and another 30 are employed through its supply chain. The apprentices are developing skills across key trades, including joinery, painting and decorating, plumbing, heating, bricklaying, and plastering. Through the Enterprise contract, Mears will deliver 600 apprenticeships.
For the housing sector, the timing matters. The new recruits are expected to support the ongoing maintenance and improvement of council homes and public buildings, while building long-term careers in construction and property maintenance. North Lanarkshire Council leader Councillor Jim Logue said apprenticeships help young people gain qualifications, confidence, and hands-on experience that leads directly to employment.
From a bricklaying perspective, it’s a reminder that workforce planning is not just a future issue. It shows up in today’s repair schedules, resident satisfaction, and the ability to keep walls, facades, and building envelopes performing as intended. Kyle Savage, a third-year apprentice bricklayer, called the opportunity “fully funded” and said he’d recommend it to others.
For contractors watching the labor pipeline, there are a few takeaways worth noting from Mears’ approach: tie training to real work that serves a client base, involve trusted supply chain partners, and measure outcomes. Mears training and development manager Gavin Hay said current completion rates sit at 98.5%, and that former apprentices have gone on to successful careers with the company. The partnership supports around 500 local jobs, with the next apprentice recruitment round expected to begin in Feb. 2027.
Read the full, original article from Scottish Construction Now here.