Yesterday marked the start of National Apprenticeship Week, so we would like to take a moment to recognize the incredible achievements of Kyle McArthur, one of our trainees. Kyle came to us in August 2024, shortly after finishing school. He began his journey with a six-week induction through DRC and WorkingRite’s Pathfinder programme. By week three, Kyle’s hard work and commitment began to shine, demonstrating focus and an eagerness to take on advice and guidance. Thanks to his unwavering dedication, Kyle secured a 12-week placement with Clydeview Joinery LTD, after which he managed to secure a full-time apprenticeship, which he officially started on January 24th. Read Kyle’s story below, written by our Project Coordinator Kirstie Martin who shares her perspective and thoughts on Kyle’s journey.

Kyle McArthur first got involved with the DRC (Dumbarton Road Corridor) not long after leaving school in around June or July 2024. Kyle was referred by a Developing Young workforce worker in Knightswood Secondary to the DRC Youth Project, who are established as one of the main providers of youth services in Glasgow. Whilst attending the DRC, Kyle spent four weeks with our partnership engagement officers working on CSCS training, building relationships with the team, and attending MYBNK’s Money Works course over two days to obtain a qualification and a greater understanding of the wider world of money. Kyle was also happy to get involved in a two-day trip to a snow camp where he was able to learn how to snowboard and ski. He demonstrated his motivation and great time keeping, and that he was ready to take the next step of his journey and join the Pathfinders programme, our award-winning work training programme run in partnership between the DRC Youth Project. After receiving tailored 1-1 support from the DRC, Kyle was progressed onto WorkingRite’s Pathfinder groups sessions in August 2024.

I first met Kyle for his initial meeting on August 6th 2024, where we spent time discussing his goals for attending the programme along with the support I could provide to help Kyle fulfill his aims.

When joining Pathfinders, Kyle underwent a six-week induction which required him to attend WorkingRite two days per week as well as remaining engaged with the DRC to focus on his CSCS training with the hope of booking his test before beginning a work placement opportunity. Throughout induction Kyle was a great asset to the team. It was evident early on that Kyle was driven and focused and keen to expand his learning for the world of work.

Throughout induction we covered topics including;

• Employers/employee expectations
• Mental health
• Equality & diversity
• Goals sessions
• Health & safety
• Skills & qualities
• Benefits of work
• CV workshops
• Team building activities
• Interview skills

We also deliver two accredited SQA units, Responsibilities of Employment and Dealing with Work Situations, with the aim of our trainees completing the Work Placement Award after finishing placement.

Kyle completed each session with a great attitude, brilliant communication skills and a constant willingness to learn. Around week 3 of induction, Kyle passed his CSCS test which would enable him to work on sites if he was required. At this point Kyle was excelling and taking on board any advice that I provided him, which allow him to be in a steadier position working towards a possible interview in joinery. This was down to me to find an employer which would be a great match for Kyle, allowing him the opportunity to make mistakes, grow as a young man and learn in the trade he is passionate about.

Kyle working on site during his placement.

After several discussions with employers, Clydeview Joinery Ltd in Linwood was very keen to bring Kyle in for an interview on September 16th 2024. Kyle spent the preceding days undertaking research on the business and preparing himself with interview questions. This practice brought out Kyle’s confidence and it was great to see him flourishing and becoming stronger in himself.

Clydeview Joinery Ltd was established in 2001. They specialise in multi – trade projects such as fire door installation, maintenance, refurbishments, health care/hospital/institutional/treatment facilities and many more. They have carried out work for Greater Glasgow and Clyde for over 20 years.

After meeting Iain and some of the team on the 16th of September, Kyle was offered an opportunity to begin his 12-week working placement on September 23rd 2024. Kyle was over the moon and accepted this opportunity. Kyle left with a great feeling as did I.

I visited Kyle around week 3 on his placement to give him some time to find his feet and feel comfortable within the team. I was in regular contact with Kyle and Ryan, who was his manager and first line of contact. Kyle’s feedback was great from Ryan – perfect time keeping, working hard, getting involved but most importantly he was learning new skills in a company he felt comfortable in. Kyle felt the same and this was shown through his hard work, dedication and the smile on his face.

As the weeks went on, it was a joy to hear from Kyle throughout the week and hear about all the new skills he was learning and tasks he was involved in, especially hearing the pride Kyle spoke with knowing he was contributing towards each project. Over weeks 4-12 I visited Kyle at a few hospitals where they were working on larger projects. I was honoured to be shown about by Kyle and enjoyed listening to him explaining the tasks that were due to complete and how this process works. It was clear to hear and see that the support given by Ryan, Iain and the wider team was allowing Kyle to grow as a person. The time and effort spend showing Kyle the tools and the operations of the tasks were paying off as Kyle was flourishing in his new role.

I was scheduled to visit and sign Kyle off on December 20th 2024 as he approached the end of his 12 weeks of work experience. After chatting with Ryan and Iain, they believed that Kyle had found his feet within the company, was a great young man and worked hard with the rest of the team. A great fit in the company and an asset to the team. Not a young person they wanted to let go off.

Unfortunately, Clydeview Joinery had no vacancies at that time, however had asked to extend Kyle’s placement by 6 weeks in order to create a position to take him on full time. Kyle was more than happy to do this, and was very thankful of the opportunity Iain was going to create. Kyle had worked so hard, he definitely deserved this opportunity to come his way.

Kyle’s placement was extended until January 24th 2025. Another 6 weeks of him working hard and taking on new challenges in learning. Even an opportunity for him to attend the works Christmas night out.

On Friday the 24th of January 2025 I signed Kyle off into his new position. A full-time job being part of a great team with the view of Kyle working towards an apprenticeship.

Clydeview Joinery pride themselves in giving opportunities to apprentices, supporting them throughout their journey to becoming a fully qualified joiner.

I look forward to hearing how Kyle and the team get on over the next year and wish them all the best of luck.

Kyle and one of his mentors from Clydeview Joinery

Huge thanks to everyone who supported Kyle from DRC Youth Project and Clydeside Joinery, and wishing Kyle the best of luck in the future.