Perth is a beautiful city. It sits at the heart of Scotland surrounded by the sort of scenery you find on postcards and chocolate boxes.
But there’s more to Perth than its setting and, as it bids to become City of Culture 2021, it’s dusting off its architectural treasures.
One of these is Perth Theatre, one of the oldest performance spaces in the country, and the work to give it a 21st Century makeover is producing opportunities for young people to get a start in the construction industry.
On s1jobs you can find vacancies for everything from roofers to plumbers to plasterers. If you have the skills, you’re in big demand as the construction industry in Scotland goes into overdrive.
This year, on building sites across the country, house buyers have once again been queueing up to buy off plan.
But how do you get a foot on the first rung of the construction career ladder?
Well for some wannabe builders, the restoration of Perth Theatre is offering just that chance.
While this grand old lady gets her stage make-up redone, including 22 carat gold leaf on her gilded ceiling and curlicues in her plasterwork, Robertson Tayside who are leading the transformation have given local companies the opportunity to bring in apprentice joiners, plumbers and electricians.
Kevin Dickson, Regional Managing Director, says: “The construction industry is a modern, dynamic place to be and projects like the redevelopment of Perth Theatre highlight the breadth of skills required.
“School leavers, apprentices and graduates are among those working on the site, while local skills and trades are being used wherever possible during the transformation of one of Perth’s historical and cultural hubs.”
When it’s all finished, Perth Theatre will once again be a sparkling gem, with new performance and conference spaces and a new public plaza outside.
But more than that, it will also have given the next generation of tradesmen and women a chance to say they played their part in restoring this B-listed Edwardian building.
Pam Dochard of Horsecross, the artistic company that operates the theatre, believes all those involved in the restoration, from the youngest apprentice to the most skilled tradesperson, should take a bow.
“The renewal of Mill Street where the theatre stands will revitalise the city centre with culture as a focus for growth and the night time economy.
“In short, bricks and mortar are the catalyst for many more years of creativity, excellence and fun for everybody involved.”
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