CR Smith and Fife College have joined forces to run a ‘pioneering’ fast-track training programme for would-be joiners for a second successive year.
Last year’s collaboration led to five trainees securing full-time positions at CR Smith as adult apprentices.
The programme is open to anyone aged 19 and over, with it supporting individuals through a 10-month course in carpentry and joinery starting in September. It involves three days a week of college-based work which is complemented by work experience at CR Smith.
Upon the successful completion of an SCQF Level 5 qualification and with ‘extensive practical knowledge’ under their belts, the partners said that trainees will be ‘guaranteed’ an interview with CR Smith and have the opportunity to apply for a place on the CR Smith adult apprenticeship programme.
Ian Macfarlane, MD of Dunfermline-headquartered CR Smith, said, “We want to see more people take up joinery jobs, and after the success of our 2021/2022 programme, we are delighted to launch it again in collaboration with Fife College. The programme offers would-be joiners the chance to learn the skills while building their knowledge and understanding of how those skills can be applied in a ‘real’ working environment.
“Our commitment is to provide relevant work experience as well as an interview for all those who successfully complete the course. Most importantly, it could also lead to a place on our accelerated adult apprenticeship.
“All five candidates who completed the course in 2021/2022 have now secured full-time apprenticeship positions with CR Smith and we hope to have the same success this year.”
Those wishing to apply should send a CV and cover letter to Jennifer.spence@crsmith.co.uk
