Specifically designed to help more people wanting to enter the joinery profession, the successful collaboration last year led to five trainees securing a full-time position at Scottish home improvements company CR Smith as an adult apprentice.

With an ongoing demand for trade skills, the programme is open to anyone aged 19 and above, who will be supported through a 10-month course in Carpentry and Joinery. Starting in September, three days a week of college-based work will be complemented by work experience at CR Smith.

Upon the successful completion of an SCQF Level 5 qualification and with extensive practical knowledge under their belts, the trainees will be guaranteed an interview with CR Smith and have the opportunity to apply for a place on the CR Smith adult apprenticeship programme.

Ian Macfarlane, managing director of Dunfermline-headquartered CR Smith, said: “We want to see more people take up joinery jobs, and after the success of our 2021/2022 programme, we are delighted to launch it again in collaboration with Fife College.

“The programme offers would-be joiners the chance to learn the skills while building their knowledge and understanding of how those skills can be applied in a ‘real’ working environment.

“Our commitment is to provide relevant work experience as well as an interview for all those who successfully complete the course. Most importantly, it could also lead to a place on our accelerated adult apprenticeship.

“All five candidates who completed the course in 2021/2022 have now secured full-time apprenticeship positions with CR Smith and we hope to have the same success this year.”