Eight apprentice joiners are now back on course to complete their apprenticeships next year despite the setbacks 2020 presented.

Over the past four weeks, the Dunfermline-based firm’s dedicated training workshop has been adapted to meet all government guidelines for sanitation and social distancing.

PPE is issued to allow lecturers to guide and monitor practical skills and workstations have been moved to allow for social distancing. Tools aren’t shared and any paperwork can be completed safely in a separate office.

Working with Fife College, CR Smith has also adapted the apprentices’ timetables so that they can make up for time lost over lockdown.

The CR Smith apprenticeship programme has been tailored specially to meet company standards and combines the certified Modern Apprenticeship in Site Carpentry and Joinery, and bespoke company modules on customer service, teamwork and product specific skills.

Ian Macfarlane, managing director, who heads up the apprenticeship programme, said: “It is terrific to have the apprentices back in the workshop and back on the course. This has been a challenging time for everyone. We continue to navigate our way through the impacts of COVID throughout our business, but I am delighted our apprentices won’t be held back from achieving their qualification any longer.

“My thanks go to the team at Fife College for working with us so positively to get everything back up and running safely. And to our apprentices who continue to show dedication and enthusiasm at their work and towards their learning.”