(Pictured above left to right: Kye H and Peter H).
Our Contracts Manager, Andrew Scotland (pictured left), gave the following presentation:
“It is the 22nd year for which this Award has been presented and the 13th year it has been known as The Freddie Blues Memorial Award. It is right that we remember Freddie through this Award.
2023 was a year which saw a few of our apprentices earn recognition through various ways. Both Alasdair and Peter were chosen to compete for a place in the Skills Build Competition. They were chosen because they had impressed their lecturers with their hard work in college. So well done to you both.
We also saw Peter and Keiren win CITB Apprentice Of The Year Awards presented at the Marriott Hotel. This is no mean feat so a massive well done to you both aswell.
This year also saw Owen and Kye both pass their Skills Test so again well done.
The company were also rewarded by picking up the CITB Company Committed To Training Award 2023 which shows that our commitment to training is not going un-noticed.
This year also saw the company being responsible for an article being printed in the Decorating Matters Magazine regarding Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health First Aid and the stigma surrounding it. The company takes this issue very seriously and I know all our apprentices attended an inhouse training day. I hope you all learned something from this. I know I found the Mental Health First Aid Course a real game changer as I found it has altered my way of thinking. Mental Health issues are real and it can effect anyone at any time. It is not something to be ashamed of and should any of you be affected by this in any way please reach out for help as it is there for you.
Now for the first time in a few years, the company did not start any new apprentices – this was not through the want of trying. We advertised and received a large number of applications. Following the review of all applications, 6 individuals were invited for interview. Myself and Billy held interviews. However, after sitting down to discuss applicants with Ewan, we felt there was no-one suitable for the position.
The company is sticking to the plan of growing its own workforce to train and assist in turning you into the best tradesperson you can be. The company will continue to support and work with you through your early years as a Tradesperson. You are the future and we are providing you with all the tools necessary to fulfill this through sending you to college, bringing you into practice in the Bill Paterson Training Room and by teaching you the practical skills you require on site. However, it is up to you to seize this opportunity with both hands by working hard both in college and on site and by watching, listening and asking if you are unsure. With good attendance and timekeeping, each one of you have what it takes to reach the goal of earning that contract of employment at the end of your time. This is what everyone in this room wants to happen.
Now to the reason why we are here. This year’s Runner Up for Apprentice of the Year Award is Kye H. The winner of the Apprentice of the Year Award if Peter H. We congratulate you both.”
