The Scotland-wide company – which employs nearly 500 people from Glasgow, Inverness, and Aberdeen to Cowdenbeath – has long championed skills development for young people, and said the new recruits had shown ‘incredible dedication’ to their training, not only in the workshop and on-site, but in developing the communication and professionalism needed to work directly with customers.

The group includes seven apprentices – Kayla Peden 20, Rosyth; Kyle Sung, 21, Dunfermline; Reece Bradley 18, Kirkcaldy; Ewan McMillan, 20, Dunfermline; Matthew Siddell, 18, Aberdour; Martins Zulps, 18, Kirkcaldy; and Jamie Ross, 26, from Cardenden – who have completed a coveted City & Guilds SCQF Level 6 Diploma in Site Carpentry.

Cameron McDonald, 29, and Jack Smith, 24, both from Leven have also completed a traditional four-year apprenticeship and are now fully qualified time-served joiners. 

All nine will now join the CR Smith domestic and commercial installation teams across Scotland.

The programmes were delivered in partnership with Fife College, combining hands-on site experience with structured technical learning and mentoring. Crucially, however, CR Smith said its apprenticeship model placed just as much emphasis on customer service and the importance of our brand as on joinery itself.

The graduation also highlights the long-standing commitment CR Smith has to developing talent from within – and to investing in more than just technical ability.

Kayla, who was inspired to become a joiner after a teacher introduced her to woodwork at school, said: “I’d never known joinery was an option for girls. It’s been a lot of hard work, but I’ve learned so much about joinery, and also how to carry yourself professionally, represent the company in the right way, and make the experience as enjoyable and straightforward for customers as possible.

“We’ll be carrying out work in people’s homes across the country, and need to be able to explain what we’re doing. We’re taught that interaction and communication with customers is just as important as the joinery skills we learn, and I’m proud to work for a company that holds values like that. I know it’s something I’ll carry with me throughout my career.

“There’s no reason more girls can’t get into joinery, they just need to see it as an option. I’d love it if young girls saw what I’ve been able to do, and then tried it themselves. It’s a great job.” 

Ian Macfarlane, managing director at CR Smith, said: “Our apprentices are vital to the future of CR Smith. From day one, they’re taught that attitude, reliability, and how you communicate with customers matter just as much as joinery skills.

“We’re proud to see how far they’ve come – they’ve embraced our values and are already making a real impact. Our reputation is built on quality and people, and these young tradespeople are proof that our investment in both continues to deliver.”

Frazer Walker, head of School for Engineering, Construction and Technical Skills at Fife College, added: “Our long-standing partnership with CR Smith provides students with invaluable real-world experience while they complete their studies, ensuring they develop both the technical skills and professionalism needed in the industry. We are incredibly proud of these students and look forward to seeing them succeed in their careers.”

The apprentices will continue to hone their craft in the CR Smith dedicated training workshop, where they’ll receive ongoing support, development, and mentoring as they progress.