A MULTI-MILLION pound schools upgrade programme has helped create nearly 200 jobs and apprenticeships.

The Evening Times told last month how Glasgow City Council had spent £42million on refurbishment and rebuilding projects across 106 Glasgow schools.

Now construction company, City Building, which carried out the work, said it used the contract to boost its staff numbers.

Councillor Paul Carey, chairman of City Building, said: "The completion of Phase one of the education works has been a great success not just for City Building but for local communities throughout Glasgow who have benefited from the increased job prospects and improved school infrastructure it has provided.

"We look forward to being able to continue to work on projects that will improve the city's educational establishments and will allow us in turn to develop young apprentices in Glasgow."

As a result of the school upgrade programme, City Building has employed 140 time-out apprentices from trades including electrical, joinery, plumbing and painting and decorating.

It is also running post-apprentice training for 49 newly-qualified trades people in order to build their skills and confidence.

And 17 staff were promoted from craft roles to management positions.

The firm also used its contract to spend £20m on local Glasgow contractors who pay the Glasgow Living Wage and employ apprentices.

One of the main benefits of the education programme has been the opening of the Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries (RSBi) PVCu window factory at Queenslie, which has so far secured £10m of new ­window contracts.

This new facility has ­allowed the company to ­create 30 permanent jobs - including to long-term unemployed ex-servicemen - across manufacturing, surveying and installation.

The centre also marks a step forward in the development of RSBi's business as the windows factory will now have the capability to bid for contracts in Europe as well.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "This administration has pledged to rebuild or refurbish every primary in the city, as well as every remaining early years and additional support for learning (ASL) school, in a five-year, £250m investment programme.

"This will benefit children and schools across Glasgow and provide a significant boost to the local economy.

"Education and jobs are both top priorities of this council and we will deliver on them."

The various projects carried out by City Building cover everything from the installation of fire alarms to playground refurbishment and external painting.

Future phases of the programme will involve changing to energy efficient and LED lighting in some schools.

Some 19 schools have been identified that will benefit from changing boilers and associated heating plant and 24 schools have been identified for future roof insulation.

City Building has worked with planning officers and Historic Scotland on schools with listed status such as Notre Dame Primary School in Hillhead, to ­ensure refurbishment measures are appropriate for the specific needs of these buildings.

New schools, new build extensions and high efficiency temporary classrooms are also part of the works being undertaken.

catriona.stewart@eveningtimes.co.uk