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News Release from: Scottish Building Federation
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 25 November 2005
Apprentice Alastair scoops top prize
The Scottish Building Apprenticeship and Training Council (SBATC) has named apprentice Alastair Wylie as this year's winner of its James Birnie Apprentice of the Year Award.
The Scottish Building Apprenticeship and Training Council (SBATC) has named apprentice Alastair Wylie as this year's winner of its James Birnie Apprentice of the Year Award Alastair, an apprentice in Carpentry and Joinery at Kilmarnock based John Moulds (Kilmarnock) was presented with his award today (24.11.05) at an official award ceremony in Aberdeen's Town and County Hall in the city's Broad Street before an audience comprising the great and the good of the construction industry
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 21 Aug 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Commenting on the success for both Alastair and the company, Colin Stewart, Manager, John Moulds (Kilmarnock) said, "Alastair has worked with wood for many years".
"He started woodturning at only 11 years old with his high standard of workmanship, even then, and was soon selling all over the world".
"His reputation as a top class turner has resulted in him being nominated to join the Register of Professional Woodturners".
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"This attention to detail has carried on into his joinery and carpentry".
"He takes great pride in his work and puts a lot of thought into each job, using the skills he has learned at college and from his fellow workmates".
"He works well on his own or with the other workmen, motivating them to keep up with him".
"All of these qualities, as well as his practical and theoretical ability, organisational skills, communication skills and being a team player, are what have amounted to Alastair being the very deserved winner of this prestigious award".
"Rarely have I come across someone as enthusiastic to learn as Alastair and he has a great future as a top class joiner".
The concept of an annual reward for craft excellence in the construction industry was the brainchild of Mr James Birnie MBE.
Mr James Birnie MBE is a credit to the construction industry and, although recently retired, remains an influential character in the development of the industry today.
Jim, as he is more commonly known, rose from the shop floor to the boardroom table after 30 odd years in one company.
He has been a valuable asset to the construction industry over the years.
As President of Scottish Building, he was instrumental in modernising the Federation and his work, particularly in the area of wages and conditions, has resulted in new and improved conditions for the construction industry as a whole.
Wanting to give something back to the industry that have provided him with a good and rewarding career, he approached the Scottish Building Apprenticeship and Training Council (SBATC) with the idea of an award for the young people of the industry.
Now in its fifth year, the James Birnie Award serves to demonstrate and reward the wonderful skills acquired by the young people coming into the industry.
Nominations were received throughout the year from employers and colleges throughout the whole of Scotland for craft apprentices who had excelled in their training.
The entries were measured against a number of strict criteria and the panel interviewed each candidate and judged them on various factors.
On receiving the award, Alastair commented, "I am absolutely delighted to receive this award and would like to thank SBATC for selecting me".
"I'm now looking forward to becoming a fully time-served carpenter and joiner".
Alyson Morrow, SBATC Registrar, said, "The award selection panel, comprising a trade union official, an employer and the Chairman of SBATC, congratulate Alastair on his success and wish him well for the future".
"Not only does he stand as proof positive that the apprenticeship system is working as it should, but he provides for faith in the future of the industry, knowing that it will be in good, capable hands"".
""It is absolutely crucial that the attraction of construction-related careers be correctly projected to youngsters".
"Early approaches should be made to school career advisers".
"Awards such as the James Birnie Award gives the youngsters something to aspire to and encouragement is given to all apprentices to push themselves to achieve".
"I believe that only through a united stance on training, career structure, safety and quality will the industry gain the respect and profile it deserves".
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