Three brothers in Kilwinning pursue apprenticeships in plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry, following their family legacy.
Callum said it involved hard work and that he enjoyed going to college. He liked talking with other apprentices. They mostly talked about football. Mark also works for Callum’s company. They are on different job sites, so they only see each other at college.
Callum did not expect the award. He was happy to be recognized. He is unsure about his future career. He might want to manage a site or perhaps he will move up in his company. He will see how it goes.
Jack is Callum’s younger brother. He is 21 and in his first year. Jack studies electrical work at Ayrshire College. He works with Archer Dean in Kilwinning. He wanted to be a plumber first.
Jack said his grandpa was a plumber. He did a plumbing pre-apprenticeship, but it was not right for him. He worked as a laborer on sites before starting to work for Archer Dean. They offered him an electrician job.
Getting a trade was always Jack’s goal, and he says it has been really great. Callum did electrical work before plumbing. They switched trades. Jack is glad to see Callum’s success, stating that college helps students.
Jack said everyone is at the same level and you meet people who understand. In-person classes matter more than online. Electricians do diverse tasks, and college and work learning helps a lot. Archer Dean is a great place to work.
Sam is the youngest brother. He is 16 years old. In October 2024, he started his apprenticeship. He will study carpentry and joinery and also goes to Ayrshire College. His start in the trades was delayed.
Sam worked learning basic skills at first, an experience like work experience. The company promised him an apprenticeship, but that did not happen. Sam felt devastated by this broken promise. He went back to school for a bit.
Sam was determined to find another apprenticeship because he always wanted to work building. He did not want to be a plumber, though his brothers chose plumbing. Sam secured a job at R1 Construction, which specializes in kitchens and renovations.
Sam enjoys his apprenticeship now and learns new skills daily. He also enjoys Ayrshire College where classmates also teach him, some of whom have more experience. Blake is his best friend and also started an apprenticeship.
Sam believes he helped inspire Blake. Blake asked him about the work, and Sam told him all about it. Stuart Millar works at Ayrshire College and focuses on employer relations. He feels apprenticeships close skills gaps.
Role models are key, like Callum, Jack, and Sam. Ayrshire College supports skilled workers. This happens due to employer investment. Companies help young people grow, aiding Ayrshire’s economy also.
Jack joked about their mom, mentioning she has tradesmen in the family. Now, she only needs a bricklayer. The brothers give her a lot of help.