Distinctively Good

28th June 2013

Distinctively Good!

We are not just good at what we do, we are distinctively good!

So the year end for college apprentices has arrived and I'm sure there will be lots of gleaming faces at York College of Building as many students leave this year with their level two apprenticeships and head out into the construction industry deemed as qualified and competent at their trade. It's great to see the industry is picking up and now more and more companies are starting to invest in the future after the recession by taking on apprentices and investing heavily in training and education.

At Dryfix were not shy of investing in our staff and for the past two years Fraser Rafton has been attending York College of Building as an apprentice joiner. Fraser has just completed his apprenticeship this week passing his exams with a 90% distinction grade which is fantastic news. Back in March this year was also presented with 'The Best Apprentice Award' by Gary Edwards, Executive Director of Shepherd Construction Ltd at the Construction Awards Ceremony held at York College to celebrate crafting excellence and outstanding performance from students in their field (see Dryfix Latest News). Based on his success shortly afterwards Fraser and his Dryfix Team mate were also summoned by Mark Shepherd, Director of Shepherd Construction Ltd to work on behalf of Dryfix at his own home.

Fraser was also chosen this year to represent York College for his joinery skills at the regional skill build competition which was held last Thursday. SkillBuild is the largest multi-trade competition in the country for construction trainees and apprentices, covering ten craft occupations such stone masonry, joinery, brick laying etc. The regional heats involve students working on test plans which take a day to complete, with the highest scorers put forward to compete in the national final.

The competition is managed by CITB-ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council and Industry Training Board for the construction industry, and endorsed by WorldSkills UK. SkillBuild showcases the best talent the industry has to offer and helps to bring new blood into the industry.

The competition took place at York College and we are proud to say that our employee Fraser Rafton took first place in the joinery section which means Fraser will now go on to compete in the national finals.

It is great end to two years of dedicated hard work by Fraser and the college at the end of his trade apprenticeship and a fantastic kick start into the industry with awards and competition wins under his belt. Although if Fraser thinks this is the end of his training he should think again, as there is a third year advanced joinery course next and plenty more training up and coming in the future. That's the great thing about the construction industry you never stop learning.

We would all just like to say 'Thank You' to York college and their staff for their dedicated hard work and close training with the apprentices this year and well done and congratulation to Fraser for his success.

From your boss and your brother, Well done Fraser.

This year's apprentices taking part in the Skill build competition