A 21 year-old joiner is building a bright future after winning a prestigious Scottish vocational training award.

Ronson Slater from Shettleston – who is completing a four-year Carpentry & Joinery apprenticeship with City Building – was crowned the Scottish VQ Learner of the Year 2011.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made the award when she visited City Building’s – Glasgow City Council’s arm’s-length construction company – Skills Academy in Laurieston on the city’s Southside.

Since starting his apprenticeship in September 2007, Ronson has gone from strength to strength winning the Trades House Modern Apprentice of the Year Award and being named City Building’s Modern Apprentice of the Year in 2010.

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Ronson Slater said: “It is a real honour to be named Scottish VQ Learner of the Year 2011 for Scotland. The training I have received from my apprenticeship has been invaluable in helping me to achieve this and has enabled me to build my experience and skills.

“I want to be a construction manager one day and would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to others who are keen to work hard and develop their skills in the construction industry.”

Willie Docherty, managing director of City Building, said: “Ronson has been a model apprentice since he started training with City Building in 2007 and has impressed us all with his hard work and dedication.

“To be named Scottish VQ Learner of the Year is a fantastic achievement and we hope that Ronson will continue to build on his skills and work towards making his dreams become a reality.”

The UK-wide VQ Awards aim to raise awareness about the benefits of vocational qualifications and training and recognises the role that vocational learning plays in society and in the UK economy.

(GK/KMcA)