Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Milestone in working life
Lunch to mark end of training
Two workers at an Airdrie firm who started their careers with a six- week renovation challenge have now completed full four-year apprenticeships.
Aiden McAuley and James McCormick are now fully- qualified painters and decorators with local firm Bell Group, and were honoured for their achievements at a celebration event.
The pair were originally among 12 teenagers who were challenged in 2013 to redecorate common closes in high-rise flats as part of a joint project by owners Clydebank Housing Association, charity Action for Children and Bell Group, whose staff provided training for the participants.
As a res ul t , James and Aiden were offered places on an employment recruitment initiative run by the Rochsolloch Road firm and then went on to progress through the full apprenticeship scheme.
The recent end of their training period was marked with a celebration lunch attended by representatives of Clydebank Housing Association and Action for Children as well as Bell staff.
Bell Group has taken on 58 apprentices to date.
A spokesperson said: “We wish Aiden and James the best of luck in their careers and hope to see them progress through the ranks here, like the many apprentices before them.
“As a family- owned and operated business we value the importance of recruiting locally and providing support, guidance and nurturing to all our staff.”