An army of apprentices, who will help deliver major public building projects, began work with Scotland's largest local authority yesterday, Glasgow City Council welcomed 200 young men and women on their modern apprentice programme in a variety of trades and occupations, from the traditional plumbing, joinery and electrics to more modern areas such as call handling, youth work and cultural heritage.

The apprentices will work with the council and its arms-length companies such as City Building, with most of those who complete their course expected to gain employment.

Despite the worsening conditions in the construction industry, the council is confident that publicly-funded projects will ensure that a steady flow of skilled labour will still be required.

Steven Purcell, the leader of the council, said: "Glasgow is still booming and we have the Commonwealth Games and a schools programme to complete.

"So there is a huge amount happening in the public sector.

"That is why we can double the number of apprentices, because we know what is in the pipeline. Anything else is an added bonus for the city.

"The more skilled tradespeople we have in the city, the easier it is to attract more investment and jobs.

"This is a win-win situation for Glasgow and everyone who lives here.

"There is £4.5bn worth of construction work under way or planned in Glasgow and our apprenticeship scheme and other measures we are taking will leave the city extremely well placed in the future."

Earlier this year the council announced that every Glasgow school-leaver next year who qualifies for an apprenticeship will be offered one in a £30m plan to prepare for the city's 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Fraz Haider, a 16-year-old from Baillieston, is starting his four-year joinery apprenticeship with City Building this week.

The former St Ambrose Secondary pupil said: "I can't wait to work in people's houses, to give a good impression of myself and to leave a good job for City Building."