An apprentice with Perth-house builders Stephen has been hailed the best construction student in Perth, and the fourth best in Scotland.
First year apprentice Jordan Telfar (17), from Perth, was the only student to represent Perth College’s first year intake of 32 students at the Scottish Association of Timber Trade Teachers (SATTT) annual competition, hosted by East Kilbride College on Saturday 14 May 2016. He also came fourth out of 16 apprentices nationwide.
Jordan, who has been an apprentice with the firm since August 2015, also competed in the first regional heat of the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) SkillBuild awards (‘New Entrant’ category).
In honour of his achievements, Jordan will be awarded the Perth Branch (UCATT) Cup for Special Competence in Practical Craft Skills at a special prize-giving ceremony at Perth College on Thursday 2 June 2016.
Jordan, who attended St John’s R C Academy before embarking on his ‘Construction and Building Technologies’ course commented, “I was absolutely delighted to be chosen to represent the College in these two national competitions. I like to think that I strive for perfection in the work that I do and it’s great to have been recognised for that. Stephen are known for their quality housebuilding so I’m proud to be an apprentice with them, and to be associated with the high calibre of building they are so well known for. One day, I would love to start my own business. ”
Meanwhile, Ron Sutherland, Construction Manager added, “As a company, we need to invest in our future to address the growing skills shortage in the industry. Apprentices really are the lifeblood of this industry so we recognise the need to train and develop them to ensure a steady supply of skilled tradespeople to build the houses of tomorrow. We are delighted by Jordan’s achievements and congratulate him wholeheartedly.”
Stephen apprentices are recruited through the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), with each term lasting four years, split between college attendance and practical experience in the workplace. There are currently four working for the company, two site-based carpenter/joiners, a bench hand joiner, and painter and decorator, with plans to recruit another two or three over the Summer.
