Modern Apprentice Joiner James Forsyth (23), recently completed his Advanced Certificate in Carpentry and Joinery at Forth Valley College.
James from Alva, works with Quality Assured Property Maintenance (QAPM) and his role mainly involves reactive maintenance in tenanted properties, and carrying out maintenance and repairs in empty properties for Ochilview Housing Association.
He said: “QAPM is an all contractors property maintenance company, they cover a wide variety of jobs, including new builds, renovations and repairs, bathrooms/wetrooms, and kitchens, as well as day to day maintenance jobs. My main role is reactive maintenance.
“The apprenticeship programme at FVC was a great learning experience, which gave me more understanding and knowledge about carpentry and joinery, as well as allowing me to work in a workshop environment and building things by using drawings and rods.
“The College course has had a great impact on me in terms of helping my career, as it has given me a greater understanding of the theory side of carpentry and joinery. This involves making drawings and working to them, as well as having deadlines and certain times to complete projects.
“The College is well equipped with the necessary tools and equipment needed to complete projects. The machine tools are easy to set up and use and there is a variety of power tools that can be used as well. The lecturers are very good at providing the information as well as some demonstrations of the task at hand, they also help as much as they can when needed.
“I would recommend the apprenticeship programme as it is a great way to get yourself into the industry. It provides a lot of experience and knowledge which helps a lot in your day to day job. Even if you’re completely inexperienced in the industry, the apprenticeship builds up your courage and confidence from using hand tools, up to building complex stair cases.
“The best bit for me so far would have to be learning how to build a complex stair case. Although it isn’t something that I need to do at my work, it’s good to have the knowledge of what to do if I ever need it.
“The best advice that I can give to anyone starting their apprenticeship with FVC, is to just focus on what you’re doing, whether that’s workshop, practical or theory in the classroom, and if you’re stuck ask for help.”