About Esteem Training
What is Esteem Training?
Esteem Training is an award-winning Glasgow-based construction training specialist, founded in 1986 — a 40+ year track record of delivering unique and engaging training experiences. The company is Scotland's No.1 Provider of Construction Modern Apprenticeships, working with major construction and civil engineering firms as well as family-owned and niche specialists across the UK.
Esteem is an approved training partner with Skills Development Scotland, coaching candidates through Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ) Levels 3 and 4 in Occupational Work Supervision, Construction Site Supervision, and Construction Site Management. Programmes also include Build a Better Leader (Leadership & Management) and a CSM Fast Track Modern Apprenticeship. Funding is available for all programmes. Teaching uses Accelerated Learning techniques to suit different learning styles.
Where will I work?
Esteem Training operates from The Whisky Bond at 2 Dawson Road, Glasgow, G4 9SS (Company No. SC623806). Esteem is a Disability Confident employer and proud of its inclusive, neuro-diverse workforce.
What is the Esteem team like?
In March 2022, Esteem Training transitioned to 100% employee ownership via an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). The shares previously held by founder Trudy Mackenzie and fellow directors Ian Grigg and Martina Höfner were transferred into the trust, supported by Co-operative Development Scotland (CDS), which funded the feasibility study. The EOT Board includes Trudy MacKenzie (Trust Chair), Linzi Shearer (Independent Trustee), and Andy Findlater (EO Elected Trustee); the Esteem Training operating board comprises Ian Grigg, Nicola Thom, and Martina Höfner (Operations Director).
The team is "diverse, valued, and inclusive": 33% of staff have a disability or learning condition, 31% are under 30, and 21% are over 60 — a deliberately age-diverse workforce. Martina Höfner has publicly stated: "We are proud to be part of the Living Wage network. We share many of the same values, including respect for individual abilities and the importance of providing support so that as many people as possible can become empowered to fulfil, even exceed, their life goals and aspirations."
Work-Life Balance
Esteem operates a four-day work week with full salary retention, implemented after a successful trial in 2020. The business closes on Wednesdays — staff get a mid-week day off rather than the more common Friday model. Esteem became an accredited Living Wage employer in March 2021. Starting salaries for trainee assessors are set 27% above the rates of the two previous financial years; supporting-staff salaries have risen 20-67%.
Perks and Benefits
- 4-day work week with Wednesday off — full salary retention (since 2020)
- 100% employee-owned via Employee Ownership Trust (since March 2022) — every team member has a vested interest in the business
- 25 days holiday plus UK public holidays
- Accredited Living Wage employer (March 2021) — salaries set above competitor rates
- Cycle to Work scheme + Childcare Voucher Scheme via salary sacrifice
- Investment in staff training using Accelerated Learning methodology
- Disability Confident employer with inclusive recruitment practices
- Employee voice at the highest level via EO-elected trustee representatives at Trust Board level