Published on:
11
March 2013
Clackmannanshire Council's Housing Convener, Councillor Les Sharp was given the honour of chairing the prestigious Scottish Housing and Building Annual Conference and Awards dinner which took place at Peebles Hydro.
The main focus for this national conference and exhibition was renewable energy and housing efficiency.
A number of speakers over the two days highlighted many areas where Councils can make better use of modern methods and techniques to ensure that tenants are receiving the best, most energy efficient housing available whilst Councils ensure they are set to meet Scottish Government targets on renewable energy and efficiency.
Speakers, including a debate with four MSPs, also enlightened delegates about the benefits of the Green Deal and more importantly ECO, where grant and loan funding is available to allow Councils to enrich their current housing stock and policies to benefit their tenants.
Councillor Sharp said: "The Awards dinner gave us the opportunity to celebrate some of the work being done in the public sector by schemes targeted at apprentices, indeed Clackmannanshire was represented by one young plumbers apprentice, Ryan Butterworth. Although he didn't win his category, Ryan showed his determination to succeed in his trade simply by making it through to the awards, they celebrate the highest quality of young people in public sector employment across Scotland."
After the event, Ryan said: "I had always wanted a career in plumbing. Ever since I was young and went to rugby matches with a family friend who had his own plumbing business. I applied and was successful in getting a Plumbing Apprenticeship with Clackmannanshire Council. Once I have become time-served I would like to continue in employment by Clackmannanshire Council as a plumber where I will continue to learn."
The conference was attended by over 65 delegates and the awards dinner by 160 people representing public authorities and partner organisations from across Scotland and UK.