Fife Council apprentice joiner Andres-Pinero Ruiz has been named best in Scotland at the Association of Public Sector Excellence (APSE) Scottish awards.

Andres won the title of Best 2nd year Apprentice and the overall award for 1st/2nd year at last week's Awards Ceremony in Peebles.

The APSE award follows success for Andres at Fife Council’s own Apprentice Awards where he won Best 1st Year Apprentice award in 2010, followed in 2011 with Best 2nd Year.

Andres joined Fife’s Apprenticeship Programme in August 2009 and from the start he has demonstrated outstanding levels of achievement in his skills development, attitude and commitment. He has also had to learn a new language having moved to Scotland from his native Spain.

In his Award submission Andres summed up his journey so far. "In the last two years I have gone from not having any idea of joinery work or tools used by joiners, to knowing every single thing that is in my toolbox, or knowing how to fit a door," he said. "The foundation to becoming a good joiner is to learn as much as you can from the tradesmen that are willing to help you and show you how to do the job, and basically that is what I have been doing for the past 24 months.

-- Advertisement --

"My second year has been spent in the workshop learning and understanding what a real bench joiner is. This has included how to use all the machinery with care so I keep all ten fingers but mostly having the chance to discover a different world within joinery and the manufacture of furniture.

"As a beginner, I always thought that these days the manufacture of doors, windows and furniture was done by machine. I never imagined that basically with a pair of hands you can make a lovely reception counter or a stunning sash and case window, or that there are still men who are willing to pass on these brilliant hand skills that only a few lucky ones will get, and I am one of them. Watching these men work their craft is truly inspirational and I believe demonstrates the kind of joiner I aspire to be."

Councillor Elizabeth Riches congratulated Andres on his success: "I am delighted by the recognition that Andres' persistence, aspirations and hard work have been given. He is a very worthy winner of this award and follows in the footsteps of successful apprentices from Fife Council over the last five years.

"This speaks volumes about the dedication of those responsible for the Fife Council apprentice scheme that offers opportunities and supports individuals throughout the four year apprenticeship."

(GK)