A GLASGOW construction firm has organised a series of trade taster sessions for young people from ethnic minorities.

City Building and Black and Ethnic Minority Infrastructure in Scotland (BEMIS) organised sessions at the firm's Queenslie Training Centre as part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week.

James Adams, chairman of City Building, said: “These taster events tie in with our “Construction for all” initiative which aims to help women, long term unemployed and minority groups gain employment in the construction industry.

“We have a long track record of helping a diverse range of individuals achieve career success through our award-winning apprenticeship scheme.

"We hope that the hands-on experience the participants gained during the sessions will encourage them to look into alternative opportunities and may even lead to some people applying to join our talented team.”

Participants were put through their paces sampling each of the company’s craft trades, including plumbing, joinery, electrical and painting and decorating with the help of City Building’s apprentices.

The aim of the sessions, also supported by West of Scotland Regional Equality Service (WSREC), was to provide insight into what a career in the construction sector could offer.

Oumar Akram, participation and development co-ordinator at BEMIS, said: “Companies, organisations and institutions are enhanced by employing a diverse, talented, trained and motivated workforce.

“Now is the time for under-represented groups to pro-actively enhance sectors across Scotland and Scottish Apprenticeship Week is the perfect time to facilitate this.”