Two Glasgow joinery apprentices, Ronson Slater and Alexander Wood, have picked up top honours at Scotland's only national construction industry apprentice of the year awards, the James Birnie Awards.

The prestigious awards, run by the Scottish Building Apprentice and Training Council (SBATC), crowned Ronson Slater as Scotland's apprentice of the year. Alexander Wood was named Scotland's adult apprentice of the year.

Apprentice joiner, Ronson Slater, 20, who is carrying out his apprenticeship at City Building (Glasgow) Ltd, was recognised for his first class practical experience, his attention to detail and his ability to apply his theoretical studies effectively to his practical work.

Ronson was one of a team selected to work aboard the Glenlee Tall ship on Glasgow's quayside where he constructed bespoke doors to fit the ships extreme angles. The fourth year apprentice has also carried out many personal projects including the successful renovation of his mother’s barber’s shop as well as fitting a kitchen for a relative.


Alexander Wood, 24, an apprentice joiner for CBC Central Building Contracts is in the final year of his apprenticeship. Recognised for his natural talent, un-rivalled enthusiasm and knowledge and understanding of theory, Alexander has dedicated his spare time as a volunteer at a theatre workshop, making sets for the Edinburgh festival and for ITV television series Rebus.

Now in its tenth year, the James Birnie Awards recognise winners in two categories: apprentice of the year and adult apprentice of the year, and serve to demonstrate and reward the significant skills acquired by dedicated, talented apprentices within the construction industry.

The awards were initiated by former President of Scottish Building Federation, James Birnie.

Candidates are assessed according to their practical and theoretical craft abilities alongside other important skills such as organisation, communication and the ability to perform as a team player.

Four highly commended awards were also presented. Douglas Grieve, a carpentry and joinery apprentice at Ogilvie Construction and David Allan, a plasterer apprentice from Fife Council were highly commended in the apprentice of the year category. Meanwhile, Fife Council apprentice John Stevenson and Peter Aitken, a carpentry and joinery apprentice with Timetra Ltd, Coatbridge were highly commended as part of the adult apprentice award.

Michael Levack, chief executive of the Scottish Building Federation and employers' secretary for the SBATC, said: "Now more than ever, as the construction industry faces continued challenges, there is a need to recognise and celebrate the talent we've got."

(GK/BMcC)