Chat pointed way to work
NIKI TENNANT
A casual chat at a bowling club between the grandfather of Cambuslang teenager Cameron Galloway and an employer matchmaker led to him landing a much sought-after apprenticeship.
Cameron’s papa, Ian Galloway, struck up a conversation with fellow Halfway Bowling Club member Lillian O’Neil, who is an employer services consultant with Cambuslang-based Routes to Work South.
Ian told Lil how his 18-year-old grandson, Cameron, had left Trinity High School half way through fifth year, and drifted into a six-month course in joinery, painting and decorating, and bricklaying at New College Lanarkshire in Motherwell.
When Ian explained how the teenager was still unclear about the career path he wanted to follow, Lil suggested he take advantage of the support, advice and services on offer at Routes to Work South.
Cameron did just that. And within a week of walking through their doors within Cambuslang’s CTEC building in August last year, Cameron found himself on a work placement with Cambuslang-based Walker Mitchell Engineering.
During his trial period with the firm, Cameron worked Tuesday to Friday, spending every Monday with Routes to Work South advisers.
Bosses at Walker Mitchell Engineering were so impressed with Cameron’s strong work ethos and willingness to learn that they offered him a computer numeric controlled (CNC) machinist apprenticeship, which he started in October.
That means he’s learning highly skilled techniques on how to make vital adjustments to precision machinery to control speed, material, feed and path of the cut to ensure the machines are properly set up, operating well and producing Walker Mitchell Engineering’s trademark quality products.
“They all welcomed me from day one, and everyone I work with is a good laugh,” said Cameron, of Halfway, whose apprenticeship lasts four years.
“They are mainly older guys with knowledge and experience they are more than happy to pass on. I really enjoy my job and it’s a great company to work for.
“I got this job no bother with the help of Routes to Work South. They’ve been really useful and I’d recommend them to anyone who’s looking for a new opportunity.”
Jim Stevenson, general manager of Walker Mitchell Engineering – which is part of the Cesson Group – is full of admiration for Cameron, who combines on-the-job, practical learning with college studies.
“He is a really good fit for the company,” said Jim.
“He is a local boy who has adapted extremely well. He is a definite asset to the company and is doing really well here and at college.
“I am in regular contact with his tutor who comes in once a month and is delighted with the progress he is making.”
Jim continued: “Routes to Work has played a big part in terms of finding and identifying the right person for us, and that has been really helpful.”
For more information about Routes to Work South, call 0141 646 0500.