A West Lothian apprentice has spoken of his success working for one of the country’s largest housebuilders.
Skills Development Scotland celebrates Scottish Apprenticeship Week (March 2 to 6), which aims to shine a light on the successes of apprentices, apprenticeship programmes and the value of nurturing young people in the world of work.
Barratt East Scotland is set to add six apprentices to its workforce during the course of 2020. Last year, the division recruited six apprentices in joinery and bricklaying and one of the company’s up and coming stars of Barratt’s Apprentice programme is apprentice bricklayer, Kyle McBain.
From a young age, Kyle (26) of Livingston, had his sights set on a career in sports, but he soon realised while at college studying sports science, that it wasn’t for him.
He said: “I have always been a very active person, so I thought that the only route for me was a career in sports. After a few months into my studies I knew that it wasn’t right, so I left to pursue a career that would help me channel my energy in a way that I felt would more rewarding – and that was construction.
"My dad helped me find a temporary job as a delivery driver to tide me over until something came up which I was grateful for. Finally, a role came up with Barratt East Scotland as a labourer and I went for it. I was prepared to do whatever it took to get my start and it paid off. After labouring with Barratt for three years, the company advertised for apprentice bricklayers. I applied for the apprenticeship when I was 25, but my age didn’t matter to anyone. I’m now well into the first year of my apprenticeship and I’m loving every minute. I get to work with different squads and that variety sees me to learn from highly-skilled tradesmen working on major housing developments right across the east of Scotland.”
Alison Condie, managing director, Barratt East Developments said: “We firmly believe that apprentices are the lifeblood of our industry.” For more information on Scottish Apprenticeship Week, visit https://www.apprenticeships.scot/scottish-apprenticeship-week/
