Arbroath apprentice Ronnie Morrison has been crowned this year’s James Birnie Apprentice of the Year in recognition of his ability to deliver practical excellence in his work.

Twenty-one year old Ronnie was presented with the prestigious award by Delhi Commonwealth Games Scotland Team silver medallist Charline Joiner at a special ceremony at Glasgow City Chambers today (Thurs 28th Oct) (see attached photo).

The bricklayer apprentice, who is serving his apprenticeship with Pert-Bruce Construction, was recommended by his employers as someone who could be relied upon to deliver the highest standard of work on any type of building operation.

The James Birnie Apprentice of the Year Award is Scotland’s only national construction industry apprenticeship award and recognises winners in two categories: apprentice of the year and adult apprentice of the year. The awards scheme celebrates the significant skills acquired by dedicated, talented apprentices within the construction industry.

The awards were initiated by former President of the Scottish Building Federation, James Birnie MBE and are run by the Scottish Building Apprentice and Training Council (SBATC). 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.

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This year’s Adult Apprentice of the Year was awarded to North Berwick-based Malcolm Landells who is completing his stonemason apprenticeship with I W Masonworks. The 25-year-old has been involved in a wide variety of masonry projects from A-listed building restorations through to new build cladding work. Malcolm received the award in recognition of the breadth and depth of skills already demonstrated during his apprenticeship.

Four highly commended awards were also presented. Rachel Terras, a painting and decorator apprentice at Peebles Hydro and Maria Dowling, a painting and decorator apprentice from Decorum Decorators were highly commended in the apprentice of the year category. Meanwhile, Historic Scotland stonemason apprentice Anderson Slattery and Chris Mullen, a carpentry and joinery apprentice with City Building Glasgow 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: “In these challenging times, now more than ever the construction industry relies on apprentices. They are the lifeblood of the industry, and when the economy begins to recover, they will have the necessary skills in place to do the job.

“This is the 11th annual awards, and the standard of each of the finalists was outstanding. Deciding the overall winner was tricky, but the judging panel felt that Ronnie had demonstrated the skills necessary to make him a worthy winner.”

Craig Bruce, Joint Managing Director for Pert-Bruce Construction, who nominated Ronnie, commented: “I am absolutely delighted for Ronnie to be recognised for the skill, talent and hard work that he has shown during his time as an apprentice. He has a real passion for the trade and a bright future as a bricklayer.

“On completion of his apprenticeship we shall be offering him a full-time job with the company as he’s a real asset.”

Charline Joiner is sponsored by windows and conservatories company CR Smith and won a silver medal for cycling at last month’s Commonwealth Games. She added: “A big well done to Ronnie. He has shown he has what it takes to be the best in his field and that hard work and determination pay off.

“I wish him well in the rest of his career.”

(GK)