A respected Highland roofing firm is calling on local businesses to support young people in the workplace.
Macleod Roofing has partnered with Barnardo’s Works since 2019, to support young people aged 15 to 29 by providing essential employability support and apprenticeship opportunities within the trades. Now the firm is calling on other Highland businesses to follow suit.
Barnardo’s Works is a charitable initiative, run by the charity Barnardo’s, that supports 15-29-year-olds by providing tailored employability support and skills development. The programme offers one-on-one guidance from dedicated key workers, group workshops, and access to various courses designed to enhance skills in specific industries, such as construction and trades.
Managing director of Macleod Roofing, Sandy Macleod, said: “At Macleod Roofing, we believe in investing in the future of Scottish trades and supporting local communities by offering real opportunities for growth.
“Our partnership with Barnardo’s Works allows us to nurture young talent by offering apprentices the tools to succeed in their chosen industry.
“However, at Macleod Roofing, we are just one part of a much larger community of tradespeople here in the Highlands.”
General works manager Alan Campbell added: “Supporting Barnardo’s Works is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses, as it helps bridge the gap between education and employment, giving young people a chance to succeed through on-the-job experience, mentorship from industry experts, and the development of crucial skills for their future careers.
“This ensures that young people are well-equipped with the skills that employers need to build successful careers.”
Through its collaboration with Barnardo’s Works, Macleod Roofing has so far provided hands-on training and mentorship to five young people, including Reece Hunter, the first apprentice to join the company in 2019.
Reece, who qualified in 2023, said: “Barnardo’s Works was the best thing to happen to me. They helped me find my confidence and steered me towards the right career path – from CV support to experience in one of their charity shops, they gave me the tools to get me started.
“It was Barnardo’s Works that helped me find Macleod Roofing. I knew I wanted a career in construction and this just fit the bill. It’s really been an eye-opener and a confidence boost for me. After five years with the team, I wouldn’t look back, and I would definitely encourage more businesses to reach out to Barnardo’s Works to be a part of this initiative.”
Businesses have the power to make a transformative impact on the lives of young people by helping them overcome barriers to employment and realise their full potential. In many cases, young individuals face challenges such as limited work experience, access to opportunities, or necessary skills development, which can hinder their career progression. By stepping in and offering structured support, companies can be the catalyst that bridges this gap.
Jamie Munro, who is currently in the third year of his apprenticeship with Macleod Roofing, spent his first year learning the ropes onsite before starting on his qualifications.
Jamie shared: “It made a huge difference having that hands-on experience before stepping into the college classroom. I could relate more to what the instructors were teaching me, and was able to visualise exactly what they were talking about.
“This is a tough trade, and not everyone can stick with it. But my experience with Macleod Roofing gave me a real advantage. I learned things early on that many of my classmates didn’t get to until much later in their education. It gave me insights into the job and helped me feel more confident about my future in the trade.”
So impressed were college lecturers by Jamie’s hands-on experience gained working as an apprentice at Macleod Roofing that he was selected as one of only two students to travel to Spain to visit a slate mine, and learn first-hand where the materials he uses day-to-day come from.
By supporting Barnardo’s Works, Macleod Roofing contributes to developing a skilled workforce that meets industry needs, ensuring a pipeline of qualified candidates for future job openings.
Patricia Anderson, employer liaison & SACO project coordinator at Barnardo’s, said: “Having this partnership with Macleod Roofing has been a valuable avenue for helping young people explore career opportunities in the construction sector.
“By offering site visits and hands-on work experiences, Sandy and Alan have played a key role in broadening the perception of the types of jobs available, beyond more well-known trades like joinery and brickwork. This is particularly important given the recruitment challenges many construction trades face given the wide range of roles within the industry.
“Our Access to Trades programme, along with SACO, are well-positioned to bridge that gap, especially by guiding new entrants towards apprenticeships and helping them see the broader potential within construction. It’s a project that supports both the industry and those facing barriers and challenges to accessing employment in the sector.”
Macleod Roofing has provided exceptional roofing services in the Highlands and the north of Scotland for over 30 years. Founded by Sandy Macleod, the firm provides a one-stop roofing service – bringing roofers, slaters, joiners, builders, plumbers and painters under the same umbrella. For more information, visit www.macleodroofing.co.uk.
