Past and present create legacy for the future

Past and present create legacy for the future
Three generations are working on the new campus

Three generations of carpentry & joinery apprentices are playing a key role in the construction of Forth Valley College’s new Falkirk Campus.

Harry Bedborough (66, Stirling), Steven Dunn (51, Denny), Andrew Dunn (19, Denny) and Steven Wilson (20, Denny) are all either former, or current, college apprentices who are now employed by Indeglas – the company currently installing glazed internal partitions in the new campus.

Harry started his apprenticeship at the former Falkirk College in 1968 before qualifying as a joiner in 1971. He then worked with various companies within the industry over the years, including Barratt Construction.

It was at Barratt Construction in 1985 that he took on the role of mentor for apprentice Steven Dunn, the son of a friend who was also completing his apprenticeship at Falkirk College of Technology as it was known as the time.

Fast forward a couple of years to 1988, and both Harry and Steven found themselves working at Indeglas (formerly known as Deko Scotland Ltd) and have worked together ever since.

They are now guiding and mentoring Indeglas’ two newest recruits – Steven’s son Andrew and Steven Wilson.

Both Andrew and Steven are currently in the third year of their apprenticeships at Forth Valley College, completing an Advanced Craft Certificate in Carpentry & Joinery.

Outwith their time spent at college, they are working onsite with Indeglas on various projects – including the college’s new Falkirk Campus.

Andrew, said: “It’s really helpful getting practice experience onsite to complement what we’re learning at college. Even though the tasks may not be exactly the same, there’s lots of transferable skills. It’s also good to work on a local project of this size and not many people have the chance to work with their dad too.”

Steven Wilson, said: “The new campus is going to be a lot better than the current one. It will be much more up-to-date with better tools and more facilities.”

Harry and Steven Dunn both agree that the new campus is going to offer a lot for students.

Harry, said: “I think the new campus is going to be great and will definitely give the local area a boost. The construction industry changes so much – it’s night and day from when I was an apprentice – and it’s important to modernise the facilities. Future apprentices will really benefit from the new campus and it’s good to be part of creating something for the next generation.”

Steven, said: ”I think all the technology and specialised kit in the new campus will be really great for students and will add to their experience.

“It’s also great that apprentices are now getting the chance to work on jobs of this scale. I never had the chance to do some of the interesting things that Andrew and Steven are doing now and it’s good to be in a position where I can encourage them to take any opportunities offered to them.”

For more information on Forth Valley College’s new Falkirk Campus, please visit www.forthvalley.ac.uk/new-falkirk-campus