Kibble students from The Skills Academy, who have the ambition to build a career in construction, are completing renovation projects across St Mirren with the progress being noticed and praised by first team manager, Stephen Robinson.
The Skills Academy is our education and training centre with locations in Hillington as well as St Mirren’s SMISA Stadium and Training Complex. Young people gain qualifications and practical skills within subjects they enjoy. Overall, our hope is to strengthen employability skills and help them to develop a fulfilling career.
Students have shown great enthusiasm and determination in developing trade skills through The Skills Academy by choosing to gain SCQF Level 4 qualifications in Painting and Decorating, and Construction Craft and Technician.
As part of the coursework young people have gained experience in the real-life business setting of St Mirren, learning from professional trainer, Craig Dunn. The young apprentices have been a key support in maintaining the stadium and training ground to the stringent health and safety standards. The main developments at the Training Complex have included renovating St Mirren’s first team gym floor and changing room floor. The large-scale projects had to be completed in a timely manner and fit in with the busy football fixtures and strict training schedule.
One young person excelled in renovating replacing changing room floor with the experience contributing to their joinery unit. Education Manager, Tracey Jardine commented on how much the student’s confidence grew from the opportunity to showcase their skillset.
Great attention to detail was essential while working and pace and all students involved exceeded expectations. The vast improvement and craftmanship was noticed immediately with first team manager, Stephen Robinson praising the quality of the complete refurbishment.
Younger pupils have seen the transformations that have been a result of the expertise learned by the older Skills Academy students who are completing their construction qualifications, which has inspired more youngsters to follow suit and explore a similar career path.
Jim Gillespie, Chief Executive, Kibble said: “We partnered with St Mirren to be able to offer young people the opportunity to develop their skillset and gain valuable qualifications while learning in a real-life business setting.
“To see students enthusiastically want to be involved with real project developments and give thought into their career prospects and plan for future is extremely motivating. The work Kibble does makes a huge difference to the lives of young people and we will continue to grow and achieve our vision of giving young people a chance at life.”
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