Following on from Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2015, we’ve taken a look into trade-sector apprenticeships with a little help from the North East Trades Awards and main event sponsor, leading house builder and timer systems manufacturer the Stewart Milne Group.
Karen Catto, human resources director at Stewart Milne Group, said: “Apprenticeship training means that people gain the right skills for the job they want to do. It also enables people to earn while they are learning, which is attractive to many people today.
“As a business, we find that the apprentices are keen, highly motivated people who want to learn and help our business to grow. This is why we choose to offer many more apprenticeship places than most other construction companies.
“The increasing age range within our 29-strong apprentice community also brings different perspectives and experiences into the business, which is very healthy, and demonstrates that more people are attracted to our industry because of the long-term prospects and good terms and conditions that we can offer them.
“Within the group, we place great store on training and development and there are many examples of people who have joined us as apprentices and ended up becoming senior managers or directors. As a privately owned business, we can recognise and reward talent and ensure that it is nurtured so people can progress as far as they are able or aspire to.
“Skilled tradespeople are a crucial part of our business and with the industry currently providing a multitude of positives, it is a great time to have a trade.
“Over the next 12 months alone, the Stewart Milne Group will create more than 250 new posts within the business to support growth in our homes and timber systems divisions. The requirement for qualified, skilled tradesmen couldn’t be greater and so improved investment in apprenticeship schemes couldn’t come at a better time.”
The Stewart Milne Group, sponsor of the Tradesman of the Year category at this year’s Trades Awards, is not alone in recognising the importance of its apprenticeship schemes. All over the north-east, future tradesmen and women are inspiring others with their dedication to the sector.
Darren Ross, director at Xcite Media, the company behind the North East Trades Awards, added: “Since the launch of the Trades Awards in 2012, we have come to highlight the fantastic work tradesmen have undertaken each year. Every time we are truly surprised by the talent and skill displayed by some individuals in what is a sector sometimes overshadowed by the oil and gas industry in our area.
“This year, the level of talent displayed has been no different, but in particular, the skill and achievements demonstrated by the shortlisted entrants in the Apprentice of the Year category have truly stood out. This projects a clear message to us – that the apprenticeship schemes offered in the area are of a fantastic standard – helping to create a solid future, not just for apprentices themselves, but also for the industry on the whole.”
From demonstrating a passion for a chosen discipline and exquisite craftsmanship to encouraging other apprentices and overcoming adversity, finalists for the Apprentice of the Year 2015 have set an exceptionally high standard for others to aspire to. This year, they include:
Graeme Baird, Aberdeen City Council
Liam Bruce, Scotia Homes
Mark Souter, Xtreme Business Solutions
Morgan Thomson, Andrew Cowie Construction
Neil Forsyth, North Group Ltd
Winners are to be announced at a black-tie dinner on Friday, June 12, at Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen.