APPRENTICE JOINER TAKES TOP TRADES HOUSE TITLE : Trades House of Glasgow

Ronson Slater (20), a third year apprentice joiner with City Building (Glasgow) LLP, has won the Trades House of Glasgow Modern Apprentice of the Year Award 2010. He beat stiff competition from five fellow finalists including City Building colleague Shaun Lafferty, an apprentice electrician who was one of two runners up.

As one of the country’s leading providers of craft apprenticeships and training, City Building employs more than 500 apprentices across a variety of trades. Ronson was nominated for the award due to his exceptional high standards of workmanship, which are often comparable to a tradesperson of far greater experience. Now in the third year of his apprenticeship working towards his SVQ Level 3 carpentry and joinery, Ronson is an integral member of the Kitchens and Bathrooms team at City Building.

Along with the five other finalists, Ronson received his award at a celebration dinner in the Trades Hall from Dr Peter Hughes OBE, Chief Executive of Scottish Engineering. As winner, Ronson was presented with an inscribed cup, a cash prize of £500 for further study and a certificate.

Michael Low, Deacon Convener of the Trades of Glasgow and one of the final judging panel said: “Scotland needs skilled men and women and this initiative helps highlight the vocational and personal benefits that apprenticeships provide. Our judges faced another great challenge in selecting the final six and overall winner, with many strong entries to assess representing a wide spread of modern apprenticeships.

“Congratulations go to all our finalists but particularly Ronson. He has demonstrated an admirable enthusiasm and dedication for his trade that makes him a very worthy winner of our 2010 title.”

Picking up his award, Ronson said: “I am delighted to have won this award. I’m really enjoying my training at City Building, which is providing me with all the skills and knowledge I need to develop my career in joinery.”

Commenting on Ronson’s win, Willie Docherty, managing director at City Building said: “This is great news for Ronson and he should be very proud. He is an asset to City Building and a strong role model for other young apprentices. Congratulations should also go to Shaun for coming runner up – they have both done exceptionally well.”

The two runners up awarded £250 and a certificate are Shaun Lafferty and Wai Chung Lam, a sheet metal worker with BAE Systems Surface Ships Ltd. Certificate of commendation were awarded to Michelle Lyon, an engineer with BAE, Ashleigh Fraser a fire cadet with the joint Glasgow City Council and Strathclyde Fire & Rescue project, and Ross Kane, an apprentice technician with Arnold Clark Automobiles.

The Award, supported by Skills Development Scotland, Glasgow City Council, Arnold Clark and CD Media, was open to those employed in the Glasgow post code area and working towards a Scottish Modern Apprenticeship or certificated no earlier than 1 April 2009.

More about the Trades House of Glasgow - the apprenticeship system was first established and maintained in Glasgow in medieval times by the 14 historic Craft Guilds, which united to form the Trades House of Glasgow in 1605. The goal then was to ensure high quality workmanship and customer service. Now in its fourth year, the Trades House of Glasgow Modern Apprentice of the Year Award showcases the commitment and capability of candidates who have chosen this route to further their careers.

While continuing to promote traditional craft skills through a wide variety of initiatives, the Trades House is now also widely viewed as a centre of excellence in the administration of trusts and legacies, managing funds in excess of £14 million. Considerable resources are also devoted to general benevolent work, with grants of around £400,000 awarded each year to deserving causes and individuals. The Trades House has more than 7000 members drawn from a wide range of backgrounds.

The award completes the skills cycle promoted by the Trades House today. It complements its annual schools craft competition and citizenship awards for pupils across Glasgow, and the Craftex awards and exhibition aimed at students attending the City’s further education colleges.

FOR FURTHER MEDIA INFORMATION:

Elaine Stewart

PR – Trades House of Glasgow

www.tradeshouse.org.uk

Photos taken at Modern Apprentice of the Year Award Dinner: