Ryan, who left Holycross High School in Hamilton unsure of what direction to take, chose to earn while he learned through a joinery apprenticeship with Barratt and David Wilson Homes – a decision he says has given him confidence, qualifications and a clear path for the future. 

“I wasn’t sure what path to go down at first,” Ryan said. “I looked at all the options. I knew I wanted something that would give me a usable and practical qualification at the end of it. Uni just didn’t feel like the right fit for me. 

“I’ve always preferred hands-on work. I like building things, fixing things, seeing the result at the end of the day.” 

Joinery quickly stood out for Ryan, and despite coming from a family rooted in public service – his dad worked in the police, his mum is a nurse and his sister is a teacher – Ryan knew the trade route was right for him. 

“I’m the first joiner in my family,” he said. “They probably would have liked me to go to university, but they’ve supported me doing something meaningful and building a career I enjoy. And they’re quite happy because they’ve now got an on-hand joiner and believe me, I’ve got a long list of jobs waiting for me at home.” 

Ryan joined Barratt and David Wilson Homes at 17 and is now in the final year of his apprenticeship with his current site being at Eaglesham View, Jackton near East Kilbride.

Over the years, Ryan has won the confidence of the site manager and now takes on significant responsibility by playing a key role in customer care and snagging, helping ensure new homes are ready for handover. 

“At my site in Eaglesham View, Jackton, I do a lot of the customer care and snagging,” Ryan explained. “I’m doing most of the finishing work every day. I get brilliant experience and I’m learning all the time.”

His training has combined practical work with structured time at New College Lanarkshire through block release.

“At the start it was two weeks on site, two weeks at college,” he said. “Then it became three or four weeks on site before going back to college. It can be full on, but you’ve got so much support from mentors including site managers and the office teams – everyone wants you to do well.” 

For Ryan though, the realities of working life came quickly.

“What I loved about the apprenticeship was that you’re expected to learn and contribute from the get-go. There’s an expectation that everyone contributes – regardless of skill level - and you build communication skills early doors,” Ryan said.

“You’re dealing with the site manager, contracts managers and other trades from the day you step onto site - you learn how to communicate clearly and confidently, and you learn to problem solve on the job which is really rewarding.” 

He has also seen first-hand how the industry is changing. 

“I didn’t realise there were so many women in construction,” he adds. “We’ve got a female site manager at Eaglesham View and I work alongside a female joiner. It’s great to see and it shows there’s a place for everyone.” 

Now putting the finishing touches to his portfolio and preparing for his final skills test, Ryan already has one eye on the future. 

“I want to be fully qualified, keep learning and keep honing my skills,” he says. “Further down the line I’d love to have my own business. But just now it’s about finishing my training and making the most of every opportunity.”

The story of apprentices like Ryan comes into sharp focus during Scottish Apprenticeship Week, which highlights how apprenticeships are working for individuals, employers and the wider Scottish economy.

For Barratt and David Wilson Homes, investing in new talent is critical at a time when the construction sector faces well-documented skills shortages. 

Craig McFarlane, construction director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes West Scotland, said: “Scottish Apprenticeship Week is an important moment to recognise the huge contribution apprentices make to our business, our sector and to the homes we build. 

“We know the industry needs more skilled people, and apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways to develop that talent. They allow individuals to earn, gain qualifications and build confidence while making a real contribution on site from day one.” 

Praising Ryan’s progress, he added: “Ryan is a great example of what can be achieved. Since joining us at 17 he has developed into a valued member of the team, taking real responsibility for the quality of our homes and the service our customers receive. 

“We congratulate him on the effort he has put into his apprenticeship and we need many more young people like Ryan to choose a career in construction. They are the future of our workforce and of the industry in Scotland.” 

Ryan believes more school leavers should look seriously at the apprenticeship route. 

“There’s a lot more opportunity than people might think,” he said. “You’re learning from experienced trades, you’re getting paid, and you’re working towards something solid at the end of it. For me, it’s been the best decision I could have made.”