A north-east joiner will carry on his tradition of helping tradesmen fashion top careers after signing-up to the Press and Journal’s Apprentice 100 campaign.
David Urquhart has spent more than three decades giving talented youngsters the chance to develop and hone their skills since he set up shop in Portsoy in the late 1970s.
And now the business – David Urquhart Joiners – will take on another apprentice as part of our campaign to generate 100 new jobs 100 days.
Mr Urquhart said he was motivated by the desire to put something back into the trade which gave him his break many years ago.
He said that the high average age of construction workers also meant training youngsters was imperative if the sector was to overcome a growing skills shortage.
Mr Urquhart said: “I got a chance to learn when I was a youngster so it’s only right that I give young people a chance. I’m an employer so I have the opportunity to do so.
“I’ve trained people for the last 30 years. We need to pass the experience of existing tradesmen on to youngsters to keep going in future.”
The candidate will be offered a short placement to make sure the job is a good fit. If all goes to plan, they will be enrolled in college next year.
The business also provides ongoing training for its employees in health and safety, plant and machinery and working at heights.
Ben Hammond found his feet working under Mr Urquhart, having chopped and changed jobs numerous times since leaving school at 16.
Now aged 28, he has just finished his first four weeks at college and is back on site.
Mr Hammond said: “The best thing about the job is knowing you’ve done an honest day’s work. I get a lot of satisfaction from it. I love working with my hands.”
Matt Markuszewski, who is in his third year as a joiner, said he felt much more comfortable in his current role than he did as a welder.
Mr Markuszewski, 24, said: “I really like being a joiner. It’s what I want to do from now on.”
Apply to become an apprentice joiner by sending a CV and cover letter to David.Urquhart@cnctimber.co.uk.