THE first graduates from Morris and Spottiswood's expanded apprenticeship scheme begin work this week.

THE first graduates from Morris and Spottiswood's expanded apprenticeship scheme begin work this week.

The shopfitting firm doubled the size of its four-year apprenticeship programme in 2004, increasing the number of trainees on its books from 30 to almost 60.

Despite major lay-offs across the industry this week, the firm has just given two of its new Glasgow graduates full-time jobs.

James Lee, 21, from Castlemilk, and Danny Molloy, 21, from Balornock, have been given contracts as roofers with the firm - working in the affordable housing sector.

Robert McLarrie, operations director with Morris and Spottiswood, said: "Our apprenticeship scheme is very supportive.

"We ensure apprentices gain real experience in different areas even if that means going outside the business.

"For example, we identified an opportunity for them to gain specialist experience and spend time on a project with one of our sub-contractor's who is a specialist slater.

"The result of our approach to training means our apprentices are capable of carrying out trade elements well in advance of usual training expectations. Danny and James are prime examples."

James and Danny have spent the last four years working at various sites, including Drumchapel and Knightswood, as part of the firm's housing refurbishment contract with Glasgow Housing Association.

Despite most building contractors running apprenticeships schemes, none are under any obligation to offer a full-time contract to their graduates.

Morris and Spottiswood, which is based in Glasgow but works across Scotland and the north of England, employs 56 apprentices.

Robert said: "Apprenticeship schemes are crucial. They not only allow us to contribute in overcoming the skills shortage in our industry, but from a quality and cultural perspective, they allow us to grow our direct workforce.

"Our current partnering agreements with clients like Glasgow Housing Association and North Lanarkshire Council means we are able to create sustainable employment opportunities for individuals like James and Danny, local to the areas in which we work."

In the last three years, the number of apprenticeships within the industry has risen by 42%, but ConstructionSkills - the body which regulates training in the industry - says more needs to be done.

Despite concerns about new private home developments being mothballed as an economic slump begins, work from the Commonwealth Games in 2014 is set to safeguard work in Scotland.