Police in Edinburgh have released images of a man that they wish to speak to as they believe he may have information that can assist with an investigation into a serious assault.
The incident took place around 11.35pm on Wednesday, 1 February, 2023, at Albert Street in Leith.
A 31-year-old man was struck to the back of a head with a hammer resulting in him having to attend hospital.
The male shown in the images, is described as white, 20-30 years old, 5ft 8in to 5ft 10in tall, medium build, wearing a dark woolly hat, dark jacket with small light logo on left breast and rear right shoulder, black trousers with white vertical stripe on each leg, and black trainers.
Detective Constable Euan Chancellor of the Violence Reduction Unit, Gayfield CID said: “This was an unprovoked attack which was highly distressing for the victim who suffered a serious injury.
“Violent crime such as this is of the utmost concern to police in Edinburgh so I would urge anyone who recognises the male in the images to contact us as soon as possible.
“Members of the public can contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference number 0044 of 2 February, 2023 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, they can call the independent charity, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Local charity, Circle have just launched their annual DARED (Do A Run Every Day) Challenge, which is back for its sixth year this June.
Over 600 runners have taken part in The DARED Challenge over the past 5 years, and they have succeeded in raising over £87,000 for local children and families living in some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities.
Take part in DARED 2023 for a month of fitness and fun, and help Circle bring the total figure raised to £100,000!
“DARED was exactly the challenge I needed to get my going again after a prolonged period of laziness had set in. The support from the other participants was amazing and kept me going through highs and lows!” – DARED Participant
What is The DARED Challenge?
The concept of DARED is very simple – do a run every day in June whilst raising money for Circle. That’s it. You can run at any time of day that suits you, before work, after work, during lunch, early evening- anytime!
There are three challenges to choose from, including the 1 mile, 5km and DARED To Be Different Challenge, and you can choose to participate to raise money for Circle’s children and families or pay a one-off donation entry fee. This includes your welcome pack, runners top, medal, and event fees.
DARED is a challenge of physical and mental stamina, requiring disciplined preparation and recovery, an accomplishment that all participants should be proud of. Every penny raised and every mile run will go towards making a life-changing difference to children and families living in some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged areas, who need support now more than ever.
Circle works at the heart of disadvantaged communities across Central Scotland. Circle offers a range of whole family support services that promote children’s healthy development and potential. They engage with families who face exclusion due to social injustice, poverty, and health inequalities.
Whether you are an experienced runner looking for a challenge, or a beginner, DARED is a great way to improve your fitness and bond with a community of likeminded people, whilst raising money and awareness for Circle.
Aldi has officially donated 30 million meals to good causes since launching its food donations initiative in 2019, with 137,938 meals being donated to local communities in Edinburgh.
In partnership with community giving platform Neighbourly, all of the supermarket’s stores in Edinburgh are partnered with foodbanks, charities and community groups, who receive surplus food year-round.
As a result of the successful partnership, more than 4,000 good causes across the country have now benefitted from the scheme, including soup kitchens and children’s breakfast clubs.
The milestone follows Aldi’s donation of £250,000 to Neighbourly to launch its Emergency Winter Foodbank Fund to further support increased demand during the cold months.
Liz Fox, Corporate Responsibility Director at Aldi UK, said: “Donating 137,938 meals in Edinburgh through our partnership with Neighbourly is an amazing achievement, with the initiative now more vital than ever for local community groups and charities who face soaring demand.
“We’re committed to doing all that we can to support people in the communities where we trade, and through our partnership with Neighbourly we have helped to make food more accessible for those in Edinburgh.”
Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added:“We’ve worked with Aldi for several years to help them further their support for those in need.
“The cost-of-living crisis is impacting communities in Edinburgh and we’ve seen the demand on foodbanks and local causes increase drastically since our partnership began.
“The support of the public and businesses like Aldi makes a huge difference. We know the donations have helped thousands of charities, community groups and families in need.”
Aldi has also recently extended its partnership with Company Shop Group to help excess stock from its network of Regional Distribution Centres be redistributed to community stores across the UK.
Charities and community groups interested in working with Aldi should contact Neighbourly at aldi@neighbourly.com.
Residents at Strachan House in Blackhall marked International Women’s Day yesterday by spending the day celebrating the achievements of wonderful trail-blazing women throughout history.
This special day takes place on March 8th every year to celebrate women’s rights and inspire people to fight for gender equality. A United Nations-sanctioned global holiday, it celebrates women’s contributions to society, raises awareness about the fight for gender parity and inspires support for organisations that support women globally.
Residents afterwards enjoyed complete pamper sessions and makeover to inspire others that you’re never too old to look your best. The afternoon saw many of the home’s women get together over an afternoon tea specially put on to mark the day and their life achievements.
Gordon Philp General Manager at Strachan House said: “We’ve all had a really interesting day thinking about the very many brilliant women who have had such an impact on our lives, whether that was an historic figure or people in our own family.
“It was good to share our experiences, take stock and reflect on how much society has changed over the years.”
Locals being invited to celebrate the opening of Granton Station Square this Saturday will also be given a sneak peek of the magnificently refurbished Edwardian Granton Station building.
The site had lain vacant for years before it was bought over by the Council in 2018. The £4.75m restoration of the building, together with the development of the square, were partly funded through the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund and Town Centre Fund.
The name for the square was chosen following an online consultation with local residents.
The station building will be managed by social enterprise charity Wasps Studios, who work across Edinburgh and Scotland, to provide affordable workspace for artists and the creative industries. Wasps will be taking on the building shortly to start their internal fit out.
When opened the charity will be providing space to support around 40 jobs, as well as helping around 100 people each year with creative business development opportunities. Alongside this they will deliver a heritage programme for local people and railway enthusiasts on the unique history of the location as well as providing exhibition space to showcase local talent. They’ll also host workshops and a series of outdoor and online events for locals, with the potential to attract thousands of visitors to the area.
The newly created public square in front of the building will be host to events and local community activity throughout the year. Council leader Cammy Day will cut the ribbon to open this fantastic and innovative new public space and everyone attending will also have the opportunity to take a guided tour of the newly refurbished historic Granton Station building ahead of it officially opening later this year.
Previous Chair of Scotrail John Cameron CBE will also unveil the National Transport Trust Red Plaque ‘Red Wheel’ with Cllr Day on Granton Station building. The Transport Heritage programme commemorates Britain’s rich and globally important legacy in the development of transport.
Family fun will be part of the celebrations from 11am to 2pm on the day where visitors will meet some local crafters, makers and organisations at the market stalls and will be able to join in with play and arts activities on the lawn. There will also be performances from Edinburgh College students and the Newhaven Community Choir.
Local S3 pupils from Craigroyston Community High School have also been busy creating beautiful artwork symbolising the area with local artist Shona Hardie to be displayed from this weekend down Waterfront Broadway for everyone to see as they make their way to the event.
A history exhibition will also be displayed on the square’s two new art benches, which going forward, will provide free exhibition space year-round.
Granton Waterfront will partner with cultural organisations to curate a changing programme of work inspired by and/or created by local artists and residents on the benches. The project was launched in March 2023 with a themed exhibition ‘Past, Present, Future’ to showcase historic and current-day images of key heritage assets within the area.
Forth Councillor Cammy Day said:“We’ve taken local people with us through every step of this process to reach this first major milestone. Seeing the refurbished Granton Station and iconic clock as well as the new square in all its glory feels very significant for the project and is another reason to come along and help us celebrate at this fantastic event.
“They sit at the heart of our £1.3bn regeneration of the wider area and will be a focal point for the community and visitors to enjoy for generations to come.
We’re creating homes, jobs and new communities at Granton Waterfront and you can already see construction well underway for the first of the 3,500 net zero carbon homes. We’re building over 70 new mid-market and social rent net zero homes, with the first new residents due to move in at the end of this year.
“And on the far side of Forthquarter Park the Western Villages site is making good progress to deliver 444 net zero homes. Also included in the plans are a new primary school, health centre, active travel routes and improved transport links, as well as workspace, community and cultural spaces.
“We’ll also be marking the start of works on the neighbouring iconic Granton Gasholder shortly. It will create a multifunctional public space that can be used and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike so look out for work starting there soon.
Scottish Government Regeneration Minister Tom Arthur said: “Completion of this project represents a significant step forward in the regeneration of Granton Waterfront.
“Through funding from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, this new work space for artists demonstrates the powerful role our communities can have in helping transform their town centres and neighbourhoods by investing in their future.”
Audrey Carlin Chief Executive Officer Wasps said: “We are very excited to be showcasing the building, which we plan to operate under the name Granton Station Creative Works, to visitors for the first time on Saturday 11 March. We hope creative people will come to view for the first time this much-needed creative hub for both the local community and Scotland’s creative sector.
“The transformation of such an important building with its strong connection to the industrial heritage of Granton has been wonderful to be part of, and a huge credit must go to the City of Edinburgh Council and their contractors for turning our collective vision for a sustainable future for this important historic building into reality.
“At Wasps, we are passionate about supporting Scotland’s creative economy, and Granton Station Creative Works is a testament to our commitment to providing affordable, high-quality workspaces, encouraging collaboration, creativity and innovation. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that this project will have on the Granton community and the wider creative economy in the years to come.”
Screen Scotland, Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh International Film Festival are delighted to confirm that the 76th Edinburgh International Film Festival will take place this summer, from 18 to 23 August 2023, in a special one-year iteration as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.
Since December, members of the 2022 EIFF programming team Kate Taylor and Kristy Matheson, have been researching and developing plans for the 2023 edition of Edinburgh’s Film Festival.
The 2023 programme will be led by EIFF’s new Programme Director Kate Taylor, with full programme details for the EIFF 2023 to be released in June 2023. Kristy will shortly take up her new position as BFI Festivals Director at London Film Festival.
With the support of the Edinburgh International Festival, a compact selection of films will be presented under the EIFF banner this August, complementing the International Festival’s programme of world-class performing arts. The hand-picked programme will celebrate the work of exceptional local and global filmmakers and ensure the flame of EIFF burns bright for future generations of passionate cinema fans.
Kate Taylor, Programme Director, Edinburgh International Film Festival, said: “Attending first as audience member, then as film worker, my experience of Edinburgh International Film Festival has always been of a place that sparks inspiring conversations about film, and over the past few months it has been nourishing to hear the stories of many people – filmmakers, audience and industry who hold this festival dear.
“I’m excited to deliver the ideas that the team and I have been working on over the past few months and be a custodian for this year’s programme, ensuring the flame of EIFF burns bright, and I can’t wait to welcome audiences to enjoy the curated selection of films we’ll be presenting in August.”
Isabel Davis, Executive Director, Screen Scotlandsays: “From the Opening Night screening of Aftersun, the 2022 edition of EIFF had a great energy and was welcomed by audiences and industry.
“We are glad to be working again with Kate, the programme team and our colleagues in the International Festival to build on that success. Huge thanks to the Edinburgh International Festival Board and the amazing International Festival team for their proactive and positive work in delivering the EIFF as part of their world-renowned Festival with Kate in post as Programme Director. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank Kristy for her work towards the 2023 edition and wish her every success in her new role.”
With the EIFF artistic programme devised and delivered by the Film Festival team, the supporting infrastructure including box office, HR and promotion of the 2023 Film Festival is being provided by the Edinburgh International Festival, who have also been working with Screen Scotland to support the continuation of the Film Festival across the last five months.
Francesca Hegyi, Chief Executive,Edinburgh International Festival, said: “The Edinburgh International Film Festival is an important cultural touchstone in our festival city, and we are pleased to be able to support its return.
“Over the last few months the EIFF programming team have been developing a plan for an ambitious film programme to add to the International Festival’s world-class dance, theatre, music and opera programme, ensuring that the Film Festival has a bright future.
“We look forward to working further with Kate and her team as we prepare for a compelling EIFF programme to be revealed in June this year.”
Culture Minister of Scottish Government Neil Gray said: “The Scottish Government is a strong supporter of the Edinburgh International Film Festival and I’m delighted that there will be a 76th edition this summer.
“Film Festivals play an important part in Scotland’s screen industry success story by promoting domestic productions, supporting talent development, showcasing high-quality international films and encouraging more people to go to the cinema.
“We have vibrant creative and screen industries in Scotland and our film festivals provide a fantastic opportunity to highlight this abundance of talent to audiences at home and abroad.”
Screen Scotland remains in place as the Edinburgh International Film Festival’s primary public funder.
In parallel with the delivery of the 76th Edinburgh International Film Festival as part of the Edinburgh International Festival, Screen Scotland will work across the summer with a working group of industry experts to deliver a long-term future for a stand-alone Film Festival, which will be presented annually from August 2024.
Full programme details for the film selection will be released in June 2023.
Haymarket Terrace will be temporarily closed eastbound from 3 April as part of a project to transform the area for people walking, wheeling and cycling. The road will be closed eastbound between its junctions with Rosebery Crescent and Magdala Crescent until November.
The traffic disruption is dreadful news for local traders who have already seen their trade hammered during the city council’s controversial City Centre West to East link (CCWEl) works. The work was planned to take seven months but has seriously overran and some businesses fear that the latest disruption could be the final straw.
The local gas network will be upgraded by SGN at the same time.
The Council has requested SGN divert a gas main to allow for City Centre West to East link (CCWEL) construction. SGN will carry out the necessary diversion and renewal of the gas main at the same time, to minimise disruption as much as possible. SGN’s work is scheduled to last 12 weeks, while CCWEL construction in the area is expected to finish in January 2024.
Haymarket Terrace will be closed eastbound between its junctions with Rosebery Crescent and Magdala Crescent until November 2023. A signed diversion route will be put in place for traffic travelling eastbound via Magdala Crescent, Eglinton Crescent, Palmerston Place, Lansdowne Crescent and Grosvenor Street. Temporary bus stops will be placed along this route.
Once complete, CCWEL will connect Roseburn to Leith Walk via Haymarket and the West End with a safe and direct cycle route, as well as significantly enhancing streets for those walking, wheeling and spending time there.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “In consultation with Lothian Buses, we’ve worked closely with SGN to make sure these two major projects are carried out together to reduce disruption as much as we can for residents, visitors and people travelling through the area.
“CCWEL is a landmark scheme for the city, providing a safe, welcoming route for all those travelling from the east to west by foot, wheel or bike, as well as transforming public spaces along the way to help support local businesses. Using funding from Sustrans to invest in active travel projects like this supports our net zero goals, boosts the local economy, and helps improve people’s health and wellbeing.
“I’d like to thank all those who live, work or run a business along the route for their patience as we carry out these improvements.”
SGN Project Manger Matthew Ferguson said:“Carrying out our gas main diversion and renewal work at this time will both allow the CCWEL project to progress and reduce disruption for the local community and commuters in future.
“Our work involves replacing our existing metal gas pipes with new plastic pipe, which will ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply to the local area for many years to come.”
During the closure, eastbound bus stops will be relocated to Magdala Crescent and Grosvenor Street and the Haymarket taxi rank will be removed with alternative locations available nearby.
Support for community groups bringing people and communities together to tackle isolation has been launched today.
The £3.8 million Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund is part of a new plan, Recovering our Connections, that aims to reduce inequality by bringing people from communities across Scotland together.
Equalities and Older People’s Minister Christina McKelvie said: “As our society changes, there is increasing recognition of social isolation and loneliness as major public health issues that can have a significant impact on a person’s physical and mental wellbeing.
“The new Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund will provide vital, longer-term support for organisations and projects working on the ground to bring people together and build connections in communities throughout the country.
“Everyone can play a part in tackling these challenges, and our new plan reaffirms our commitment to building a connected Scotland for everyone.”
Chief Executive Officer of Generations Working Together Alison Clyde said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the new Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund is being launched today at our annual conference.
“We are confident that this fund will generate new opportunities to tackle social isolation and loneliness in all ages, and we are excited by its potential to support innovative and impactful intergenerational projects across Scotland.”
The Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund will distribute £3.8 million to community groups and organisations tackling social isolation and loneliness until July 2026.
Expressions of Interest in applying for the fund are open until 31 March 2026.
Community groups in Edinburgh will be able to provide vital services and support for thousands of local people thanks to National Lottery funding announced today (THURSDAY 9 MARCH).
The latest round of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund is shared amongst 324 projects across Scotland, sharing in £10,909,040.
A full list of projects is below.
Among the big winners are Corstorphine Community Centre, who receive £98,550 to provide a range of activities for all ages that will be developed and led by local residents in Corstorphine and the surrounding neighbourhoods.
They will also provide a variety of different volunteering opportunities for community members.
Scotland Yard Adventure Centre will use their £120,000 grant to provide family play sessions at their Edinburgh base for disabled young people and their families.
These sessions will support whole families to play together, and to meet other similar families and young people.
Cyrenians hit the jackpot with two awards totalling over £230,000.
The charity will use funding of over £70,000 to recruit an Income Maximisation Worker who will work across work across all services to support people impacted by cost-of-living crisis.
The Worker will provide one to one support and train 50 key workers at the organisation to also provide financial support. Cyernians estimate 1,800 people will benefit from the project over 12 months.
Cyrenians was also awarded a further £160,000 to continue its “Golden Years” service which is formed from a variety of support and activities for people over 60 years of age living in Edinburgh.
This is led by a befriending service, which has now evolved to offer additional support to meet the needs of participants. Over two years of funding there will be 460 participants and 65 volunteers.
Thanks to an award of £100,000, Aberlour Child Care Trust will provide a befriending service to people in Edinburgh and the Lothians experiencing perinatal mental health issues.
Liz Nolan, Deputy Directorsaid: “Thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund we can offer vital emotional and befriending support to parents of babies living in the Lothians who have received care through the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
“Working in parallel with our NHS partners, the service will offer in person support from a Perinatal Coordinator, a one-to-one match with a Perinatal Befriender and our bespoke digital support all of which connects parents, improves emotional wellbeing, reduces isolation and supports positive relationships between parents and babies.”
An award of £58,844 to Space @The Broomhouse Hub means the group can provide free early evening meals for local people four nights a week for the next 12 months. Working with local partners their will also be an advisor on hand at each session to offer support and signposting for those who need it.
Neil Hay, CEO, said: “Space @ The Broomhouse Hub is literally and metaphorically at the heart of our community. Our events allow us to listen to local people and shape future support locally.
“We pride ourselves on being dynamic and innovative, so it is refreshing that funders like The National Lottery are supporting our work helping people through the cost-of-living crisis.”
Thanks to an award of £9,953, The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) – Edinburgh Branch – will be able to offer a cost-of-living response to Ukranian families who have been displaced by conflict.
This will come in the form of regular community meals and drop-in sessions for those in need.
Hannah Beaton-Hawryluk, AUGB Edinburgh Chairperson, said: “Over the last year, as an organisation we’ve had to work through a great deal of change.
“Prior to the start of the war in February 2022, our main activity was to provide social and cultural activities for a small community however since February we’ve welcomed over 6,000 Ukrainians to Edinburgh who have been displaced by the war with Russia.
“As a community, we’ve focussed our energies on providing a range of social and integration activities such as coffee mornings, information sessions, English language lessons and cultural events.
“The support of The National Lottery Community Fund will enable us to further support our community to integrate into communities across Edinburgh, reduce social isolation and decrease longer term mental health issues that may be experienced.”
Announcing the funding, Kate Still, Scotland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fundsaid: “This latest round of National Lottery funding will be distributed to important groups and organisations who are providing essential services, drop-in points, and community centres around the country – making a real, tangible difference to everyday life.
“With the rising cost-of-living being at the front of everyone’s minds, groups like these are more vital than ever, offering people across Scotland a place to turn to in times of need. This amazing support is only possible because of National Lottery players.”
The National Lottery Community Fund distributes funding on behalf of National Lottery players who raise more than £30 million each week for good causes throughout the UK.
Trade body for the plumbing industry encouraged by the small but increasing number of women apprentices who are changing the face of plumbing but more still needs to be done
Outdated stereotypes and poor career advice are seen as the main barriers for women considering a career in the plumbing and heating industry, according to a new survey from the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF).
In a poll-of-polls of 674 people, 39% of respondents believed sexist and outdated stereotypes were the main barrier to women entering the UK plumbing industry, with 21% stating poor career advice.
The poll, conducted between 23-27 February, also found that 28% of people thought there was no barrier to entering the profession, with 12% citing a lack of respect for women.
Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, said: “It is unbelievable that in 2023 outdated and sexist stereotypes continue to be made about what women can and cannot do, often reinforced by misguided career advice that the trades are men-only professions.
“Thankfully, SNIPEF is finding a small but growing number of women who are challenging these misconceptions and entering the plumbing industry, finding it an attractive and lucrative career option.
“We need to encourage greater diversity into our industry, helping us address the current skills shortage and meet the demand from 30% of customers who have stated their preference for a women plumber.”
SNIPEF also revealed ahead of International Women’s Day (March 8), Scottish Apprenticeship Week (6-10 March) and World Plumbing Day (11 March) that 2% of its apprentices are now women, an increase of 50% since 2020. Although still small, trends indicate a growing demand from women to train as plumbing professionals.
Typical of the new cohort of young women trainee plumbing and heating professionals is 17-year-old Naomi Watson from Aberdeen, studying at Dundee and Angus College and about to enter the second year of her apprenticeship with SNIPEF member EJ Parker Technical Services.
Naomisaid: “I absolutely adore my job, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. As a commercial plumber, I visit new places with new challenges each month. This week I am heading to Inverness to work on renewable technologies.
“I couldn’t ask for a more supportive team. I love every single one of the boys I work with and get on so well with my journeyman. He has taught me so many things to get me started.
“This job has made me incredibly confident. I feel now that there isn’t anything I can’t achieve if I put my mind to it.”
Dale Thomson, Apprentice Training Manager for SNIPEF, said: “The talent and energy apprentices, such as Naomi, bring to their journey towards the status of a qualified plumber is remarkable.
“The young women who sign up to learn about plumbing bring a fresh element of enthusiasm, skill and dedication to the profession, and it is good for the industry that we are seeing more and more of them.”
In the Autumn, SNIPEF will unveil its new Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion action plan, aimed at confronting industry misconceptions, to encourage more girls and women to consider training as a plumber and setting its ambition to have women making up 10% of all apprentices by the end of the decade.
CASE STUDIES:
Gemma Ireland, 20, Edinburgh.
Year 2, NVQ Level 3, Borders College.
Employer: Joanna Martin, Able Girl Plumbing.
“I chose plumbing as a career because I wanted to do a hands-on job. I had a spell of work experience and I found that I really enjoyed it. I am now doing something different every day – there is just so much variety.
“My employer is very supportive and I am engaged on domestic plumbing and gas work from Monday to Wednesday, with the rest of the week studying at college. It is really interesting.
“None of my family has any connection with the profession and, although I am the first female apprentice, I am not the first female plumber in the company. There is no reason a woman can’t do this job just as well, if not better, than any man.”
Ambition: To have my own company.
Naomi Watson, 17, Aberdeen.
Year 1, Dundee and Angus College.
Employer: EJ Parker Technical Services.
“I love how fast-paced my job is. I love plumbing so much and feel that it is a great opening for anyone with a practical mindset. It gives you plenty of opportunities, I travel all the time, I meet so many amazing people and I learn new skills every single day. You just need to take on board what the experienced tradespeople have to say.
“I would highly recommend a trade to any female or male out there. It’s a great way of life, you are constantly busy and the pay is good for someone just out of school.
“This job has made me incredibly confident. I feel there isn’t now anything I couldn’t achieve if I put my mind to it. I feel so much more comfortable in my own skin.”
Ambition: To start my own business.
To move up in the company.
To work offshore.
Nina Hamilton, 24, Elgin.
Year 2, Moray College, Elgin.
Employer: Simpson Plumbers.
“I am the first female apprentice in the company and, although it can seem a bit daunting at first, I would definitely recommend it to other women.Once you get into the swing of it, it’s good fun and you learn a lot of good skills.
“In the past, I never would have thought about getting into a trade but, when I was told about an apprenticeship opportunity coming up, I thought why not go for it?
“I like how every day is different and there is a wide variety of types of work. You learn something new every day and can pick up little tips and tricks from the different journeymen on the jobs, which always comes in handy. My employer is very supportive.”
Ambition: To learn everything I can.
Ellie McPhee, 19, Glasgow.
Year 1, Glasgow Kelvin College Springburn Campus.
Employer: The Findlay Group.
“On the trial with my current employer, I realised that not only was I not becoming distracted, I was actually really looking forward to learning more.
“I now enjoy each day of my training – each day brings something new – and I am very much looking forward to finishing my first year and progressing to Year Two.
“My employers are very supportive. They are always reaching out to me, checking how I am getting on and helping me – especially when it comes to the college side as I prefer the more practical stuff. They make sure I’m properly supported on site and at college.”
Ambition: Undisclosed.
Marion Stewart, 21, Elgin.
Year 3, Moray College, UHI.
Employer: G&A Barnie Group.
“Although there are other women working in the Barnie Group, I am the first female apprentice plumber. I have just finished my third year at college and have my gas, renewables and oil qualifications. Next year will focus on practical work with the company.
“Some jobs take just a few hours, but others can last for weeks and I enjoy being involved in a project from start to finish, and the sense of achievement which comes with that. There is a great deal of variety, with something new every day.
“I got started in this career because I actually asked the company for work experience and they suggested I try an apprenticeship instead. Throughout my training, my employer has been completely supportive and has encouraged me in everything I do.”
Ambition: To become a supervisor or a contracts manager with my current employer.
