Fife-based windows, doors and conservatories fitter CR Smith has invested more than £100,000 in the past three years on its apprenticeship programme.
The Dunfermline-based company has recently taken on a further 11 aspiring joiners on the scheme which has been developed in conjunction with Fife College.
The glazing firm has constructed a purpose-built workshop for the programme. The training modules are tailored to meet the needs of the company.
Managing director Ian Macfarlane said the apprenticeship programme addressed a potential skills shortage.
He said: “Investment in our people is essential and creating our own customised apprenticeship programme demonstrates our ongoing commitment to grow the business through young people.
“The delivery of many existing apprenticeship programmes was not entirely practical for our business, therefore we spent time with Fife College creating a more sustainable programme that works for us.
“It covers all the essential joinery skills and also includes the additional craftsmanship we need for our luxury hardwood internal finishes.
“The course also puts a lot of emphasis on developing the apprentices with a wider range of skills that we hope will give them a great start to their career.”
The new recruits are the second intake of apprentices onto this programme – the first class of ten have completed their current studies and are working as joiners.
The participants attend evening classes at Fife College which gives them more time during the day to learn on the job.
Jan Thomson, director of business development at Fife College said the partnership with the major local employer had been very rewarding.
She said: “We welcome the opportunity to work with local businesses in this way.
“The CR Smith programme is a model that includes traditional joinery alongside various other vital skills. It is officially certified, which is very important to those taking part.”