Two Graham Construction apprentices have been recognised and rewarded for their skills and hard work on the recently completed Ardler regeneration project in Dundee.

Last year, Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association awarded the £22.7m contract to build 269 homes on four sites across Scotland to GRAHAM, and the contract has seen the firm offer 16 new apprenticeships in various trades, including joinery, brick-laying and plumbing.

Dylan Muir and Dean Elder were selected last year as work started on the Ardler site, and have impressed Graham and Sanctuary with their hard work and ambition.

Steve Malone, construction manager at Sanctuary Scotland, presented the apprentices with tool vouchers to help them both continue with their careers in the construction industry.

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Dylan Muir spent the last four years of his schooling in Cyprus, leaving him without any formal qualifications. However, Discover Opportunities (a partnership of Skills Development Scotland, Job Centre Plus and Dundee City Council, who sourced the Ardler-based apprentices and trainees) was impressed with his maturity and enthusiasm and recommended him to the construction firm.

Dylan, 18, an apprentice joiner from Ardler, said: "I was really pleased to have even been given the opportunity to work with Graham Construction and the vouchers have only encouraged me to work harder.

"I am extremely grateful to the team for helping me to improve my skills on such a high profile project and I'm looking forward to learning more on the next site."

Dean Elder was in the final year of his apprenticeship when his previous employer, WH Brown Construction, went out of business and Graham Construction gave him the opportunity to continue his learning.

Dean, 20, of Dundee, added: "Graham Construction has given me the opportunity to develop my abilities and the vouchers from Sanctuary are an added bonus.

"I can now buy the essential tools I need to continue my career in the construction industry.

"It's been great working with such a reputable company on a high profile project and I hope to continue my working relationship with them for many years to come."

Both men are now continuing their apprenticeships on the second phase of the Stirling University accommodation project with Graham Construction.

(JP/CD)