Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
You can build career with a specialist firm
IT was Sinatra’s, a top night spot in its day, now being renovated and transformed into luxury flats.
The firm doing the actual work is Renovate Builders, a new Dundee-based firm run by Lochee-born John Johnston.
However, if you think a specialist building firm is not the sort of place where an unskilled new-start could find work, you’d be wrong.
John started in the building game when he was 15 and is back after a stint offshore in the Far East.
“There are jobs out there in this industry. If you are hard working, enthusiastic and can be told what to do you’ll get on fine.
“For big sites you’re going to need a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) Card even to be a labourer but that’s not the case with smaller firms.
“Yes, a labourer will start off digging holes and shovelling but you’ll be teamed with an experienced tradesman.
“This could be the start of some real learning — so always treat them with a bit of respect and listen to what you’re told.”
The Sinatra’s job is unusual in that John’s team are working around a lot of original features such as traditional plaster work.
“We’ve got a plasterer who’s a master at his craft, repairing Victorian features.
“That sort of skill has to be learned over the years.
“However, if you’ve the right attitude there are employers out there who will take you on and give you the chance to learn these skills.
“Getting a basic grounding in the skills at college is obviously a good start.
“And if you realise something you thought was a good job for you, wet work such as plastering or concrete finishing, isn’t actually where you’re going to fit in, you can look at being an electrician instead, for example.
“The best thing is the fact you can get a start in this world without having much in the way of qualifications. But the bottom line is you’ve got to have a good teacher.
“I feel sorry when I hear of apprentices spending a year sweeping up. That’s a waste of a person who wants to get on and learn.”
Last year, UK house building hit a seven-year high.
So if you’re the sort of young person who literally doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty and learning in the job, it could be for you.
“The sky’s the limit,” said John.