Bargeddie joiner is a real cut above

Jun 17 2009 by Wendy Scott, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

BARGEDDIE trainee carpenter Douglas Robertson is carving out a top career.

For he is one of the best apprentices in Scotland, following success at the regional heat of this year’s SkillBuild, the UK’s biggest construction skills competition.

SkillBuild, which is organised by ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council for the construction industry, aims to find the UK’s best apprentice across a variety of trades, including bricklaying, carpentry, joinery and painting and decorating.

Douglas, an apprentice at South Lanarkshire College, who is employed by Faceo FM UK Ltd, won the gold medal at the Scottish heat for carpentry at South Lanarkshire College in East Kilbride.

The apprentices competed against each other in their given trade to complete a set piece of work within the day.

They were challenged to produce accurate and high-quality work within a strict timescale – all essential requirements for today’s construction industry. The work was assessed by a panel of technical experts at the end of the day, when the winners in each trade were announced.

Douglas (20) said: “I am delighted to have been placed first in the carpentry category at the regional heat for SkillBuild 2009. It has been a fantastic experience and has allowed me to showcase the skills I have learnt in my apprenticeship.”

ConstructionSkills Apprenticeship Manager for Scotland South Hugh McCafferty said: “SkillBuild is a fantastic opportunity to encourage and recognise excellence, as well as help develop the future talent of the industry.

“This heat was a great success and showcased the skills of the construction industry on offer here in Scotland.

“We are really pleased with the high quality and standard of workmanship being undertaken by these apprentices. It is testament to their hard work, and that of their colleges and employers.”

Douglas will now have the chance to compete against the other UK regions at the SkillBuild national final, which will also take place at South Lanarkshire College in October.

National winners from this year’s competition will then have the opportunity to represent the UK and compete in the 2011 international WorldSkills competition in London.

The competition, which has been running for more than 20 years, provides an opportunity to recognise the importance of apprentices and their skills. It also provides a platform for employers to highlight the quality of their workforce and their commitment to training, which is essential in the current climate to provide businesses with a competitive edge.