The visits were conducted as part of the company’s commitment to investing in the young workforce and its ongoing partnership with DYW West.

So far, TJL has hosted pupils from four local secondary schools as part of the programme. Manufacturing director Michael Hillman led the tours and spoke to the students about his journey from apprentice to director and the opportunities available to school leavers within the construction industry.

While these sessions focused on the pathways into trades such as machining, joinery, electrical, painting and decorating, the group also discussed other opportunities within the industry.

With eight divisions and in-house support functions, TJL is well-placed to educate pupils on the vast array of opportunities available within the industry. The company currently employs 23 apprentices throughout the company and has a further six members of staff who are engaged in trainee positions or graduate schemes. These figures equate to almost 14% of Thomas Johnstone’s workforce currently in earn-and-learn schemes, enabling the contractor to gain Gold membership of the 5% Club.

Jan McMahon, programme executive from DYW West, said: “DYW West are delighted to be working in partnership with Thomas Johnstone to host talks and tours for our local secondary schools. These fantastic events helped give pupils an insight into the world of work and the opportunity to hear more about future pathways, such as apprenticeships at TJL.

“We had extremely encouraging feedback, and pupils loved getting a tour of the workshop and having the chance to ask the team questions directly. We are looking forward to planning more events in the future with Thomas Johnstone.”

Michael Hillman, manufacturing director, expressed TJL’s commitment to encouraging young people into the construction industry and the company’s partnership with DYW West: “As a former apprentice myself, I understand the significance of engaging with students and informing them of all their options before they leave school. I hope the students who attended these sessions better understand the opportunities available within the construction industry, including how to get into an apprenticeship. TJL is dedicated to continuing these sessions in partnership with DYW West to spark greater interest in construction careers amongst the younger generation.”