80 Glasgow apprentices celebrated at graduation event
The event, hosted by radio DJ Ewen Cameron, recognised the commitment and achievements of apprentices who completed up to three years of intensive training across 10 different disciplines.
(Image: Supplied) (Image: Supplied)
Read more: 'Glaswegians least trained in first aid in Scotland but most likely to help'
Graduates came from both Arnold Clark and independent companies, showcasing GTG's influence in the automotive and technical sectors.
The workshop area was transformed into an event space, and apprentices were joined by family, trainers, and employers for the evening.
Audience members were invited to reflect on the dedication and hard work of each apprentice, many of whom are now moving into full-time roles or further professional development.
(Image: Supplied)
Read more: Major project transforming Glasgow's East End recognised with prestigious award
Billy Hammond, managing director of GTG, said: "We are incredibly proud of every apprentice who has walked through our doors.
"We're delighted to celebrate our apprentices, the future of the automotive industry, with this terrific event.
"We look forward to watching each graduate thrive and apply what they've learned at GTG to their future roles and beyond."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
25-07-2025
- The National
It's long past time to probe Donald Trump's dealings
Despite the strong appetite for land reform, and the widely held view that Scotland should not be a country where the super-rich can buy any land they want to turn it into their own personal playground, this is exactly what he's been allowed to do. His golf development caused direct environmental harm, but also gave profile to his climate denial conspiracies and his effort to derail our renewable energy industry. READ MORE: If I was John Swinney, here's what I would say to Donald Trump Scotland should not be a country where we allow billionaires and their business interests to go unchecked, especially when they have been cited by courts in felony charges against the individual. But that is exactly how the Scottish Government plans on treating Trump, a convicted criminal, who is here in a personal capacity but will be back for his second state visit as president of the United States. Five years ago, I first called for an investigation of Trump's finances in Scotland through an Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO). This power enables the Scottish Government to investigate the finances of individuals who are politically active and have acquired wealth through suspicious means. Given that the criminal charges brought against Trump in New York cited his Menie golf estate in Aberdeenshire, getting answers from the Trump Organisation as to the valuation of his property and where he got the money from is the responsible thing for our own government to do. Otherwise, we are sending a global message that wealthy individuals in positions of power like Trump are above the law. That sets a dangerous precedent, one that cannot become Scotland's legacy. This is a critical time to hold the super-rich to account. The billionaire class has been getting ever richer, while international aid programmes and investment in public services are cut, causing untold suffering. READ MORE: What's your message to Donald Trump as he arrives in Scotland? We asked Glaswegians Big polluters keep raking in the profits, while governments claim they don't have the power or money to achieve a just transition. Trump is just one very high-profile example, but his political power and his long history should make him top of the list for accountability. Before we consider the dangerous far-right agenda he's pursuing as US president, he is first and foremost a man with decades of scandal behind him. During that time, he has sold everything from property to ties – but most notably sold his own name to other enterprises. He has faced many losses with business ventures going bust and claiming bankruptcy. And yet he continues to keep a foothold in Scotland, with his golf estates barely turning profits until after he was charged and scrutinised in court. Scotland is not in short supply of golf courses, but it seems that we are in short supply of moral fibre. That was demonstrated when the Scottish planning system was overturned to allow him to build his golf course in the first place, trashing a piece of coastline which, at least on paper, had the highest level of environmental protection possible. But that same lack of courage in holding the super-rich to account is still being demonstrated today, with every day that passes without the Government using its power to find out where the money for Trump's business dealings in Scotland actually came from. Trump is a politically active individual who has purposely shielded his tax information to avoid public scrutiny, the first US president who is a convicted criminal, and an individual with dozens of allegations of sexual assault spanning back to the 1970s. READ MORE: Timings of Donald Trump visit to Scotland revealed as flight restrictions in place But the title of president does not make him immune to following laws in his own country or ours. If anything, it should make our Government duty-bound to enforce those laws and hold him to account, to set an example for the world to follow. Self-proclaimed elites like Trump do not get a free pass just because they are powerful. He must face the same scrutiny and legal challenges as our own politicians and citizens do. We cannot continue to have a 'special relationship' with someone who flouts our rules and treats our country like his personal playground, while trashing our environment and undermining our energy transition. It is time for the Scottish Government to take heed of our long-standing call and investigate Trump with a UWO, instead of cosying up to him and trying to win his favour.
Glasgow Times
23-07-2025
- Glasgow Times
How much did Glasgow City Council make from brown bin permits?
Data from a Freedom of Information request has revealed that 86,295 households across the city have paid the £50 charge to have their garden waste collected. Over the last two years, the local authority has pocketed £4,314,750 while paying out just £12,800 to residents who claimed for refunds. Now a Glasgow councillor is calling for more transparency over where the cash has gone since the charge was brought into effect in 2023. Drumchapel and Anniesland councillor Paul Carey BEM says that people are right to demand to know where their money has been invested. Paul Carey BEM (Image: supplied) He exclusively told the Glasgow Times: 'We were told when the permits were being rolled out that money generated would be reinvested in communities, so the question is what specifically has been done and where are future monies going? 'This was a new revenue stream, and we were told that the benefits would be seen across the city. This is a sizeable sum of money and Glaswegians who are paying this permit charge deserve to know exactly what has it been spent on? 'We're not just talking pennies this is a total that could make a huge difference to a lot of struggling services and tired community centres in many areas. There are so many parts of the city crying out for investment, so the council ought to be providing a breakdown of where it has gone. People want, and are right to expect, value for the money.' Bosses at Glasgow City Council sparked anger when they decided to introduce the charge across the city 21 months ago. The data shows that its first year, from October 1 to September 30 2024, the scheme brought in £2,031,600. The following 12 months it generated £2,283,150. Local authorities in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde also decided to hit households in the pocket for the kerbside collection of their garden refuse, but at a 20 per cent lower charge of £40 per address. READ NEXT: Shock Glasgow brown bin permit uptake is revealed by probe We previously told how residents in Whitburn Street in Carntyne were calling on local authority bosses to introduce a reduced rate for the elderly and vulnerable unable to afford the one-off fee. Ann Ayre, chair of the area's Winget Residents' Association, told the Glasgow Times that her members had decided to take a stand against the move – and called on senior citizens across the city to follow suit. Ann Ayre (Image: NQ) Ann said: 'A lot of pensioners don't have the cash to fork out for something that should be covered by their council tax. 'We need a payment plan to spread the cost, or better still axe the permit altogether. This is a charge on top of our council tax that, in my mind, can't be justified. People are struggling right now through a cost-of-living crisis, paying to have your grass cuttings taken away is unacceptable, especially at a time when some households are having to decide between energy bills or eating.' A one-off payment of £50 currently applies per brown bin, so if a household has two, the total cost is £100. Permits are provided within 21 days of purchase A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: 'As with all such schemes, the funds raised will be reinvested in council services. The council approved £2million per year from brown bin permit income as one of its budget options to balance the budget a couple of years ago. 'The council has to come up with a list of budget options every year, including income generating and cost-reducing options that are approved as part of the budget.' Councillor Carey added: 'The council's response to the question of where the money has specifically gone is just not transparent. 'It is time this money was ring-fenced and allocated to the type of community projects people care about instead of going into some budget black hole
Glasgow Times
21-07-2025
- Glasgow Times
Explained: the latest plans for Glasgow city centre streets
The latest plans for the City Centre Avenues project involve changes to key streets, including public transport routes and around city centre train stations. Which Streets are changing? Argyle Street (Image: GCC) The street from Queen Street to Stockwell Street/Glassford Street has been pedestrian-only since the 1970s. The new Argyle Street East Avenue project will run from Union Street/ Jamaica Street to Glasgow Cross. A one-way west-to-east bus route will pass through the pedestrianised section of the street, aimed at creating much shorter journey times and better public transport connections. The pedestrian zone is to be opened up and as well a the bus lane down the centre, a cycle lane will be created to the south of the busy street. Queen Street and Ingram Street Plans in the area will include a newly designed Queen Street and Ingram Street to make the area outside the Gallery of Modern Art more pedestrian-friendly. (Image: GCC) Permitting buses to travel east along Argyle Street will take traffic away from Queen Street and Ingram Street allowing changes to be made. New surfacing and wider 'level crossings' outside GoMA will give pedestrians more priority. More greenery and planters are planned to improve the appearance. (Image: GCC) The work will link into the redevelopment of George Square due to be completed in the second half of next year. (Image: GCC) (Image: GCC) Why are the changes being made? Angus Millar, Convener for City Centre Recovery and Transport, said: 'The Argyle Street East Avenue is about readying these famous streets for the century ahead. 'Recent decades have been tough for this part of town but we're seeing new turnaround developments on Trongate, major new retail offerings on Argyle Street and global employers investing in new headquarters just further west. That's real confidence in our city centre. 'The Argyle Street East Avenue is about creating the conditions for more of that. But also, giving Glaswegians a greener, more attractive city centre with an international look and feel they can be proud of.' When will work start? Contractors are being invited to bid for contracts and work is expected to start next year. How much will it cost? No specific costs have been publicly revealed but the work is part of the wider £120m Avenues Project. Who is paying for it? The funding for the Avenues projects is from the Glasgow City Region Deal, which was jointly funded by the UK and Scottish Governments with half a billion pounds each. Will there be cycle lanes? There will be a cycle lane along the current stretch of Argyle Street that is pedestrian only. What do people think? The Glasgow Times asked people on Argyle Street this week about the plan. Victoria Wilson was in town with her two year-old son Ollie. (Image: Newsquest) She said: 'There is plenty of room for a bus lane and for people to walk. I think it would be fine. 'The street is not as busy as it was years ago. If it makes it easier to get the bus, that's good.' Chris Seton, from Larbert, is a regular visitor. (Image: Newsquest) He said: I used to do a lot of driving in Glasgow. It has become difficult to get around. If buses can go right along the street it's a good idea. Improvement always helps.' Another man in town with his granddaughter who wished to be anonymous, said: ' I suppose if it's going to help people get around its not too bad. 'If it helps the buses move quicker, that's good.' Opinion online was less than favourable. Comments included: 'This is another reduction in space for pedestrians!' 'Don't allow vehicles through Argyle Street.' 'A road on Argyle Street, why are we going back the way? What a waste of money and public spaces.' What do you think? Let us know in the comments and at
