Young people from Kibble’s Skills Academy have played a hands-on role in the refurbishment of St Mirren’s hospitality venue, Club 1877, as part of the charity’s ongoing partnership with the club.
The group worked under the guidance of Kibble painting and decorating instructor Paul, carrying out ames taping, interior decorating and ladder work in the kitchen area. The project gave them practical experience while working toward qualifications that help prepare them for employment.
Kibble and St Mirren formed their partnership in 2020, creating meaningful work placements and industry connections for hundreds of young people.
Paul said the project had been a standout moment. “The highlight of this project was seeing young people progress, learn new skills and get fully involved. Their faces lit up seeing the project come together and they all showed a real interest in learning from and talking to the other professionals on the project which was really reassuring.”
The renovation was designed by Kibble graphic designer Michelle and delivered by Skills Academy young people alongside external contractors Halliday Construction Contracts Limited, Zeus Industrial Services and Marc Allan Builders.
Kibble’s Chief Executive Officer, Jim Gillespie, said: “The refurbishment of Club 1877 has been a fantastic opportunity for The Skills Academy to work alongside skilled tradespeople and see their efforts make a real difference. From the initial design through to final touches, every young person involved has played an important role in bringing this vision to life.
“Experiences like this build practical skills, confidence, teamwork and provide the young people with a sense of achievement that will stay with them long after the project is complete.”
The Skills Academy gives young people access to vocational training in areas including mechanics, joinery, hairdressing, painting and decorating, and gardening, while supporting them to gain SQA and City & Guilds qualifications.
St Mirren chief operating officer Keith Lasley said: “I am extremely grateful to the young people at Kibble who contributed to the recent refurbishment of Club 1877. Their hard work, creativity and attention to detail have played a vital role in transforming the space into a modern, high-quality venue that our supporters can enjoy on match days and for private events.
“This project reflects the strength of the partnership between St Mirren and Kibble, providing young people with opportunities to develop their skills in a real working environment while delivering outstanding results for the club.
“My thanks go to the young people, their instructors, our professional contractors, the design team and our club staff.”
The partnership ensures a direct link between education and industry, with St Mirren’s facilities used as a real-world training ground for young people learning and practising skills at The Skills Academy.
