Having been hailed the best construction student in Perth and one of the top four in Scotland last year, second year apprentice Jordan Telfer (18), from Perth, has now won the Scottish Association of Timber Trade Teachers’ 34th annual Carpentry / Joinery Inter-college competition.

Representing Perth College UHI, Jordan beat off competition from 14 other apprentices from throughout Scotland.

Jordan, who has been an apprentice with the family firm since August 2015 said: “I was absolutely delighted to once again represent the College in this national competition, and to have won is just fantastic. Personally, I like to think that I strive for perfection in the work that I do, which is very much what Stephen, as housebuilders, are known for. I’m proud to be an apprentice with them, and to be associated with the high calibre of building they are so well known for.”

Ron Sutherland, Construction Manager added, “As a company, we need to continually invest in our future to address the growing skills shortage in the industry. Apprentices really are the lifeblood of this industry, so we are very much committed to their training and development to ensure a flow of skilled tradespeople to build the houses of tomorrow. Jordan is a great example to others and we congratulate him wholeheartedly.”

Stephen apprentices are recruited through the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), with each term lasting four years, split between college attendance and practical experience in the workplace. There are currently four working for the company, two site-based carpenter/joiners, a bench hand joiner, and painter and decorator.