An Inverness teenager has secured himself a permanent apprenticeship at a local joiner's firm after impressing on the city's Raigmore Hospital development.
Lachlan Smith, 19, was given the opportunity to work on site following a four-year apprenticeship course with Shared Highland Apprentices in Construction (SHAC), before getting work with one of GRAHAM Construction’s sub-contractors, Ness Joinery.
GRAHAM Construction was appointed as the main contractor to refurbish and upgrade the critical care services and theatre suites at Raigmore Hospital.
Once the SHAC pilot came to an end, GRAHAM expanded its probation period with Lachlan, allowing him to gain expertise and exposure from the subcontractors.
Ness Joinery will be taking him on for the remaining two years of his apprenticeship.
James Dryden of Ness Joinery said: "Lachlan has just completed two years of his four year apprenticeship, part of which was done with GRAHAM and we are pleased to be able to take him on for the remaining two years of his course. He is enthusiastic, shows initiative and is very committed to a career in joinery.
"His work ethic is extremely good and credit should be given to GRAHAM for the excellent training he has been given in the time he was with them."
David Cooper, a pupil from Inverness Royal Academy, has been also been offered a two-week placement on the Raigmore Hospital project as part of the Foundation Apprentice Programme with GRAHAM.