An apprentice joiner who lost his position in the construction downturn last year has been given a second chance, the Glasgow Evening Times reported.

Stephen Boyle, from Newmains, was let go just six months from the end of a three-year apprenticeship due to financial pressures at his company.

But he has now turned his fortunes around and completed his apprenticeship thanks to help from North Lanarkshire's Working.

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The employability programme recommended him to GRAHAM Construction and Mr Boyle has now secured a permanent job at the company.

The 20-year-old started in October last year.

He has worked on the £82m Scottish Crime Campus, completed two months ago, which will bring together Scotland's crime-busting organisations at Gartcosh.

Mr Boyle prepared timber frames for the concrete pouring process and installed external finishes.

He said he was "so glad" of the chance to work again in his chosen trade.

"I really enjoy joinery but was worried about finding another position while the industry was suffering," he said.

(NE)