Selkirk 2G pitch contract delivers an added benefit

Kieran Monks, 21, from Selkirk, was offered three weeks of work experience as part of the contract to deliver a 2G sports pitch in Selkirk. He subsequently was kept on for the duration of the project, getting a total of nine weeks of paid employment.

A requirement to deliver community benefits was part of the project contract, and as a minimum the successful bidder was expected to deliver one work experience opportunity for an unemployed person.

As a result, Glasgow-based firm WH Malcolm agreed to offer a three-week work placement to an individual nominated through local employability groups.

Following an interview selection process, Kieran Monks, 21, was appointed as the vehicle marshalling operative for the site and following the relevant training course took up the post on June 1, at the start of work on the site.

Following the three week work experience period, WH Malcolm offered to keep Kieran in the post until the end of the project, providing a total of nine weeks paid employment.

Kieran said: “This was a great opportunity for me to get some training and some work experience and I was delighted when they offered me the chance to stay on until the completion of the contract. I am very hopeful that this opportunity will lead to me getting a full-time job in the near future.”

Robert Muir of WH Malcolm said: “We were very pleased with Kieran’s work and I am glad we were able to give him training and employment during the project, going above and beyond our contractual requirements.

“We wish Kieran all the best in obtaining full-time employment and hope that the experience of working with WH Malcolm will be of benefit to him.”

Community benefits are designed to add value to contracts, delivering wider economic, social and environmental benefits to communities. This might include employment and training opportunities, supporting small and medium-sized businesses, educational support activities or the sponsoring of local events or projects.

Councillor John Mitchell, Scottish Borders Council’s depute leader, said: “Community benefits can have a significant positive impact on the Scottish Borders, whether that is by helping to provide young unemployed people with work experience or by supporting local small and medium sized businesses or providing sponsorship or assistance with community events.

“I am glad to see that community benefit clauses are delivering added value to our communities.”