TWO apprentice bricklayers have been taken on to help build new homes in Port Glasgow.

River Clyde Homes (RCH) are building 20 homes, being constructed by contractor CCG at Woodhall Terrace.

Local 21-year-olds Martin Murray and Stuart Higgins have been taken on by the company for the first year of their apprentice programme.

The Greenock lads work two weeks on-site and then attend college for a fortnight.

Although the Woodhall development is due for completion in March, CCG have committed to allowing them to complete their four-year apprenticeship with the company.

RCH says it inserts community benefit clauses in its contracts, underpinning its commitment to creating employment opportunities across the area through the work it undertakes.

A spokesman said: “Over the years many local people, particularly the young, have benefited from the community benefits clauses included in contracts for building new homes, investment works and demolition programmes. As a result, more than 200 jobs and training opportunities have been created for local people.” Councillor Chris McEleny is an RCH board member, said he fully supports the association’s efforts to create community benefit opportunities through its contracts.

Cllr McEleny said: “River Clyde Homes, quite rightly, is about more than just the bricks and mortar.

“Every opportunity for employment or training for local people should be developed.

“As the building trade, in particular, comes out of recession there is a real danger that there will be a lack of skills in years to come. But this commitment to training apprentices and providing them with a trade is a huge benefit to both the industry and the local economy.” The Woodhall Terrace homes are being built with financial assistance from the Scottish Government and will bring the number of new homes built by RCH over the last seven years to 482.

CCG group managing director Gary McGregor said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with River Clyde Homes to deliver this latest phase of housing regeneration in Inverclyde.

“We are maintaining our commitment to youth and skills development, as demonstrated by us recently securing the coveted Investors in Young People accreditation.” RCH, Inverclyde Council and Riverside Inverclyde and a number of training agencies have formed a ‘Construction Plus Partnership’ to ensure the community benefits from construction.

The Inverclyde Community Development Trust is the single point of contact for people to register if they are looking for job or training opportunities.

They offer practical advice and support to help people back into the labour market.

To register, contact Trust Employability Services on 553349.

Kevin Miller, the trust’s senior employment engagement worker, said: “We are delighted to support RCH in securing these much valued apprenticeship opportunities for young Inverclyde residents.

“We wish both lads well with their new career, and look forward to what promises to be a very constructive 2015 with forthcoming projects delivering a further boost for employability in Inverclyde.”