SELECT offers training facility to the Scottish Government for use as a Covid vaccination centre

SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade association, is throwing its weight behind the Government’s vaccination roll-out, with the offer of a ready-to-use facility which could accommodate hundreds of people.

The campaigning body for the electrotechnical industry in Scotland has offered its training centre at its Bush Estate HQ near Penicuik, Midlothian, to NHS professionals behind one of the greatest public health efforts the country has ever seen.

The training centre, with its own separate entrance and exit, would be ideally suited to movements of large numbers of people. It is a standalone area with three large, individual rooms, each of which can cater for up to 50 people at a time.

The proposal is the latest initiative from SELECT, which has been at the forefront of help, advice and guidance to the construction sector over the course of the pandemic and which recently issued detailed advice on vaccinations to its member companies from an employment perspective.

Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “SELECT has played a leading role in the fight against this terrible virus for nearly a year now, particularly in its initiation of, and participation in, the Construction Industry Coronavirus Forum.

“However, we are always keen to offer additional support so  we have been in touch with the Scottish Government’s Covid-19 Offers of Support access point to alert them to the potential of using our Penicuik training centre.

“It is well placed for large population centres around Midlothian, and is fully compliant with health and safety standards, which of course are a primary consideration in all SELECT training programmes. The facility has a defibrillator on site as well as a kitchen, toilets and a rest room. There is also ample parking.

“We hope the centre may be of use to the vaccination effort and we will stand by ready to work closely with the Health Board teams if it is required.”

Feedback from members on SELECT’s vaccination guidance has been positive, as has the response to the organisation’s wider support to the trade over last spring’s shutdown and the subsequent restrictions necessary for safe working on site.

The association is also holding a Digital Drop-In for members on Thursday, February 11, which will focus on answering questions on vaccinations and any other Covid-related issues members may have. The format will be similar to webinars held last year which also elicited a positive response.