A Paisley construction firm was so impressed by the warehouseman
who served it at a local builder's merchants that it offered him a
job as an adult apprentice.
Paul Kerr said KTB Building Services' offer to train him as a
joiner was a "once in a lifetime opportunity" which came as a
shock, but which he knew he had to take.
The 29-year-old left school with seven standard grades and was
desperate to get a trade. He sent out hundreds of applications
without success before being taken on by JKM Industrial Supply
Merchants as warehouse assistant. He worked for them for nine years
and rose to the post of yard supervisor.
Paul's attitude and customer service skills impressed the team
at KTB and continue to impress the firm's clients today.
He was concerned about going to college as a mature student but
got on well with the work and his fellow apprentices. His lecturers
at Reid Kerr College describe him as "an excellent student who
encouraged and supported others on his course".
Kilbarchan-based Paul won the Carpenters Craft competition in
2009 and was this year's runner-up, as well as reaching the finals
of other competitions including the James Birnie Award. He was a
finalist in the traditional sector for over 20 year olds in the
Skills Development Scotland Modern Apprenticeship Awards held last
December.
Construction Skills' Charlotte McDonell said: "Paul produced a
high standard of workmanship both in college and on site. He was
unfortunate not to gain an apprenticeship opportunity when he was a
teenager, but he left a secure job to return to learning. It was
not an easy decision for him to make but one which has paid off for
him."
Paul recently completed his apprenticeship and is keen to show
his appreciation to everyone who has helped him become a
tradesman.
"I want to work as hard as I can for the company and, maybe,
some day start my own business - then give someone the chance that
I have been given," he said.