An Aberdeenshire painting and decorating firm is committed to supporting the younger workforce of today, having taken on a total of 15 apprentices in only three years.
R Davidson Painters & Decorators, based in Banchory, Aberdeenshire, has enrolled the youngsters, aged between 16 and 21 years from Aberdeen city and shire, in a bid to continually support the local economy, as well as the firm’s rapid growth in both private and commercial markets.
The painting and decorating firm has partnered with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to deliver the apprenticeships, with all 15 employees attending North East Scotland College as part of the scheme.
With 15 currently being the highest number of apprentices for R Davidson Painters & Decorators at any one time, the firm plans to exceed this figure next year, proposing to take on an additional six apprentices to support its growing portfolio.
Managing director and owner of R Davidson Painters & Decorators, Trevor Mutch, said: “Although we have taken on apprentices for many years now, this has been highest number we’ve had at the firm, with each at various stages of their apprentice programme, ranging from first to fourth year.
“It is important for us to train our painters and decorators up to the standard we maintain across all our services, and with the current skills shortage, it is becoming harder and harder to source highly skilled workers. Therefore it’s crucial we invest both time and money in supporting the younger generation, to help boost the local economy, as well as sustain the future of our business.”
Ryan Neish, a fully-qualified tradesman at R Davidson Painters & Decorators, said: “I completed my painting and decorating apprenticeship with R Davidson last year, after undergoing a four-year programme that helped me to enhance my knowledge and skills in this field. I found the programme very valuable, particularly when developing my trade skills and picking up tips from my mentors whilst on the job. I am very grateful for the opportunity that R Davidson has given me.”
With a current headcount of 100, the decorating firm, which specialises in delivering bespoke painting, decorating and ames taping services for the private domestic and commercial markets, relocated to larger offices at the start of the year to support its ever-increasing staff numbers, occupying the ground floor of the Banchory Business Centre 2 (BBC2).
With a range of major commercial clients, R Davidson Painters & Decorators has worked on some of Aberdeen’s most prestigious developments, including the renovation of the city’s Marischal College.
For more information about R Davidson Painters & Decorators, please visit www.rdbanchory.co.uk, or call 01330 824877.