A Scottish painting and decorating firm which recently set up its first Aberdeenshire base has signed up for the Press and Journal’s quest to help young people flourish in their careers.
Nodram Decorators has won several major contracts since opening its base in Newburgh six months ago and is looking for two apprentices to support our Apprentice 100 campaign – and bolster its own expansion plans.
The Bathgate-headquartered firm, which also has an office in Inverness, has picked up work with the likes of Cala Homes, Dandara and Stewart Milne Homes and is committed to increasing its north-east staff base to help meet demand.
It is on the hunt for an apprentice painter/decorator and an apprentice Ames taper – someone who uses tape to seal the joints between sheets of plasterboard.
Dave Torry, Nodram’s area director for the north-east, has been a decorator for 40 years having started his career as an apprentice.
Mr Torry said he has always believed in the importance of taking on apprentices.
He said: “It’s about taking care of our future. Due to the skills shortages we have seen over the last 10 years, we have had to train our own guys. If you stop training apprentices it causes a big gap in the market.”
He added that the energy industry downturn has made it easier to recruit, because many people who left decorating for careers in oil and gas are looking to come back into construction.
Current Nodram apprentice Ricky Lee, 22, said he was grateful to the company for giving him a chance to finish his apprenticeship after a long break through illness.
He said: “Without this opportunity, I thought I would never get another job, but after a phone call to Donald, I got a start within three weeks and haven’t looked back.”
Mr MacPhee said: “After a quick interview with Ricky, I could see how keen he was to come back and complete his apprenticeship and he has grabbed the opportunity with both hands.”
Apply to become an apprentice at Nodram by sending a CV to dave@nodram.co.uk