Having embarked on a three-month training program at CITB’s National Construction College in Norfolk, over 500 miles from his home in the Scottish Highlands, Archie is laying the foundation for a bright future.

In late 2024, Archie became the first apprentice to join Ross-shire-based Stoddart Crane Hire, marking the beginning of what promises to be a successful career in crane operations. Since starting his training at the National Construction College in January, Archie has embraced every challenge, acquiring a wide range of new skills while also gaining invaluable hands-on experience. Along the way, he’s been navigating the experience of living independently for the first time, showcasing maturity beyond his years.

Kerri MacDonald, director at Stoddart Crane Hire, said: “We knew Archie was going to be one to watch from the get-go, but his dedication and hard work have truly wowed us – we’re all incredibly proud of everything he has accomplished so far. 

“It’s not easy at such a young age to take on this kind of responsibility and move so far from home, but Archie has taken everything in his stride. We’re truly excited to watch him grow as he develops his skills and knowledge, and we’re confident he’s going to have a great future in the crane operation industry – hopefully as part of the Stoddart family for years to come!”

It is often said that many young people of Archie’s age are still unsure of what they want to be when they grow up. For Archie, however, there was never any doubt. From just three years old, he knew he wanted to be a crane operator, and better still, he knew he wanted to work for Stoddart Crane Hire.

With a strong family connection to the crane industry – his grandfather and uncle both worked as crane operators offshore – Archie is now proudly following in their footsteps, while still striving to carve out his own path in the field. His journey with Stoddart Crane Hire is just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career ahead.

Archie shared: “I can’t believe how far I’ve come since Kerri offered me this apprenticeship! Completing my first three months of training has been an amazing experience, and now I’m gearing up to head back to Norfolk for another five weeks to finish off the course. 

“Learning to drive and operate cranes is something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid, and once I return from England, the next step will be getting hands-on experience doing just that – with assistance, of course. In fact, at this rate, I’ll be qualified to drive a crane before I even have my car license!

“I’m really grateful for the support from everyone at Stoddart Crane Hire and the opportunity to follow in my grandfather and uncle’s footsteps. This journey is just getting started, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me. I’m ready to embrace every moment.”

Gillian Mackenzie, apprenticeships officer with The Construction Industry Training Board, added: “Archie’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship, hard work, and the drive to pursue one’s dreams. He is an incredible young man, showing remarkable maturity and determination at such a young age. His journey reflects the values that we strive to instil in all our apprentices – ambition, resilience, and a commitment to learning. It’s been a privilege to watch him grow during his time at the National Construction College, and we look forward to seeing where his career takes him next.”

For Stoddart Crane Hire, Archie represents more than just the future of the company; he embodies the very values they uphold – dedication, passion, and a strong connection to community and family. As Archie continues to develop his skills, he’ll be an inspiration to other young people looking to follow in his footsteps.