Renfrewshire Council

Our construction trades modern apprenticeships are a popular and rewarding pathway offering a recognised qualification and invaluable workplace experience in joinery, plumbing, painting and decorating and electrical.

Meet Lewis- Carpentry and Joinery Modern Apprentice
 

Lewis McGee is a third-year apprentice working in our building services team in Environment, Housing and Infrastructure services.
 

Lewis McGee What attracted you to this modern apprenticeship with the Council? 
As well as construction being the type of work I was really interested in, when I looked into what the Council offered I knew it would be a great opportunity. Having the right support and feeling a valued part of the team was really important to me and it's turned out to be exactly like that. 

What have you been learning throughout your apprenticeship and how this is helping you develop your career?
I honestly learn something every day while out doing jobs alongside different tradespeople, so my problem-solving skills are improving all the time. I've also developed my customer service skills, which has really helped my confidence and communication. The college side of things has been brilliant and I'm enjoying working through my qualifications. 

What has been the highlight of your Apprenticeship? 
I was fortunate to be selected as a finalist in the APSE Apprenticeship Awards in my first year. I didn't win but I really appreciated being selected and it was a great experience. It has really inspired me to keep working hard to become an even better joiner.  

Is there any advice you would give to anyone considering an Apprenticeship? 
I would say make sure you do your research and look at all options, as they all have different aspects and opportunities available. Don't only focus on your first choice as there could be something which is better suited to you. 

What are the next steps for you after your Apprenticeship? 
The next steps are for me to build on my joinery experience and pass my Trades Test. Even if I pass my apprenticeship there will still be so much I will need to learn, both in terms of joinery skills, and in other aspects of construction knowledge. 

Where do you see yourself in the next few years? 
I'd like to progress into construction management. I'd really like to go to University at some point in the future, so that I can expand my learning and knowledge even further and build a career in the construction industry. 

Meet Robbie - Painting and Decorating Modern Apprentice
 

Robbie Edgar is a also in the third year of his apprenticeship working in our building services team in Environment, Housing and Infrastructure services.
 

Robbie Edgar What inspired you to choose a modern apprenticeship in painting and decorating with Renfrewshire Council?
I was always interested in painting and decorating growing up. I did some research and was aware that my local authority in Renfrewshire was a stable employer. I was keen to work here while developing proper skills through training, qualifications, and a real opportunity to work towards a meaningful and permanent career.

What skills have you developed in your apprenticeship and how this is helping you in your career? 
I've learned lots about health and safety and completed a variety of job tasks including stripping ARTEX wallpaper and ceilings, filling and taping, preparing surfaces to ensure best quality finish and ensuring my workspace is protected. College has been great and my customer service, team working and communication skills are improving. Over these last years I have developed a real passion for the industry and take a real pride and care in the work I do. 

What has been the highlight of your apprenticeship? 
The Council has always been very supportive, they take your needs as an apprentice very seriously while guiding you through your learning. I would highlight this support and guidance especially from my line manager and my colleagues too.  I was also one of the first in my year to be trusted with a Council vehicle, and was put through my driving assessment. Being given this responsibility shows a degree of trust in me and I appreciated that. 

What advice you would give to anyone considering an apprenticeship? 
I would advise them to really go for it, as you will learn so much and really improve your skills and  knowledge, not just on the job but of yourself too, which will really help you throughout your life. The support you get along the way is also something to consider, it's great to be able to go and speak to a colleague or supervisor and talk through options and different ways to approach any problems. 

What are the next steps for you after your apprenticeship? 
I will hopefully gain a full-time job within the Council and then I intend to work towards promotion to a supervisor role. I'd welcome the chance to take any further training opportunities to help me get there. Then once I have a few more years' experience behind me, I'd love to go to university at too gain further qualifications which would allow me to progress towards a senior management role. 

Find out more about Modern Apprenticeships

Published on Tuesday 4 March 2025