Randolph Hackshaw, 39, a Bequia resident with over 20 years’ experience as a joiner, is the first to benefit from major training and skills by Scottish property developer FM Group.
The programme aims to upskill participants from the Caribbean in different sectors such as construction, agriculture and hospitality, by bringing them to Scotland.
The objective is to exchange knowledge, work practices and provide participants with new skills in a variety of environments, which are transferable to different workplaces and will help improve their expertise, both in the Caribbean and in Scotland.
Individual programmes will last for six weeks at a time.
In light of his vast experience and recent appointment as maintenance manager for the FM Group luxury resort “The Liming” in Bequia, Hackshaw has undertaken this programme to not only improve his expertise but also to help train his Scottish colleagues, a press release said.
The Liming joint venture investor K-Group is also supporting the scheme and the intent is to expand this throughout the Caribbean.
“This training programme aims to help improve workers’ skills in a variety of sectors such as construction and agriculture,” said Kelly Glass, CEO of K-Group.
“The scheme gives individuals like Randolph the opportunity to travel abroad and improve their skillset outside their comfort zone, allowing them to thrive and reach their full professional potential,” Glass said.
He expressed the hope that Hacksaw has a great time in Scotland and that his experience encourages others in Bequia and further afield to take part in the programme.
Hackshaw has been involved with work on large construction sites with a value of 35 million pounds sterling, involving over 130 flats (apartments) gaining experience in steel frame construction, cranes and pre-fabricated construction through supply chain partners.
He works in two of FM Group’s flagship projects: the former Scottish Power Cathcart House (Glasgow) and the historic Dalnair Castle and Estate (Croftamie near Drymen); both being refurbished and transformed into luxury residential developments.
Through the Caribbean Training Programme, the company aims to establish a closer relationship initially with the community of St Vincent and the Grenadines but reaching out to the Eastern Caribbean in general.
Hackshaw’s experience in Scotland will be used to encourage other Caribbean workers to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
The company intends to write to schools in the Caribbean to attract interest in those looking to work in construction, hospitality and agriculture, the press release said.
The Liming resort includes a five-star hotel, high-end beach cottages and villas with private beach, restaurant, marina, and tennis court.
The resort is also selling real estate, thereby giving buyers the option to rent their property to visitors when unoccupied and realize a return on their investment.
Graeme Lurring, chief financial officer of FM Group said his establishment was delighted to be playing a major part in launching this training programme which is allowing skills and experiences to be shared between Scotland and the Caribbean.
“There is already a strong Scottish presence on Bequia and it is great to be strengthening these ties.
“As a company, we very much specialise in luxury developments in often challenging contexts and this programme gives those coming into it a great opportunity to develop their skills. There is also much the workforce here can learn from them,” Lurring said.