In 1992, Scott McLelland started his apprenticeship with Fleming. 34 years later and he’s still a part of the team, now working as a Supervisor.

A lot has changed since Scott first walked through Fleming’s doors. For example, the way apprentices learn, the work carried out in the workshop and the projects Fleming takes on today all look very different. One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the importance of learning the trade properly.

Having been an apprentice himself, Scott knows how much of a difference that first opportunity can make, and he’s keen to see the same opportunities offered to the next generation.

Starting out

Scott’s apprenticeship began through the Wimpey training scheme, where Fleming used to recruit apprentices from at the time. He spent his first year at Wimpey’s premises in Bishopbriggs before moving to Fleming to gain experience on site, where he then remained for the rest of his four-year apprenticeship.

Scott said: “Wimpey would bring in maybe 20 boys a year and you’d go there for your first year. They would maybe keep six or seven and send them out to their own sites, and the rest would take up opportunities with other local companies. Fleming was the one I asked for and I got it.”

His decision to take up an apprenticeship came fairly naturally. Scott had always enjoyed craft and design at school, but after starting his fifth year, he quickly realised it wasn’t for him.

Reflecting, Scott said: “I thought, nah, I’m not really enjoying that. So, I tried to get a job. I left school in August and started the apprenticeship in September.”

He didn’t know it at the time, but that decision would be the start of a career that has now lasted more than 30 years.

Learning the trade

Scott’s first experience at Fleming was in the workshop, working under Manager, Jerry Patterson. The workshop was a busy place for an apprentice. Scott got the chance to work on all sorts of traditional joinery, from doors and windows to reception desks and staircases.

“You’d have the opportunity to get involved in a number of different joinery jobs giving you a wide knowledge of your craft.” Scott added.

It meant Scott was able to get stuck into many types of work from the beginning, learning how things were made rather than just seeing one part of the process.

The work Fleming does has changed over the years, with the timber kit side of the business now playing a much bigger role. Scott has seen that change happen first-hand, as well as seeing the company take on a much wider range of projects.

“With Fleming, there’s a good variety of work, you can be doing housebuilding on one project and then the next could be a big community centre or a nursery.”

That’s something Scott has enjoyed throughout his career. No two projects are necessarily the same, and there’s always something different to get stuck into and learn about.

Building a career with Fleming

When Scott completed his apprenticeship, Fleming offered him a permanent position. He continued working as a tradesperson before moving into a supervisory role.

Today, Scott oversees joiners and subcontractors, as well as taking on responsibility for fleet management.

So, what’s kept him at Fleming for more than 30 years?

For Scott, a lot of it comes down to the people he’s worked with and the way the company has treated him over the years. He said: “Fleming has always been good to everybody. It’s a great company with great people and you’re looked after.”

Supporting the next generation

Scott knows what it’s like to start out with no real experience and to have to learn from the people around you. That’s why he’s keen to see Fleming continue to take on apprentices and give young people the same opportunity he had.

Scott reflects: “If companies like Fleming don’t offer apprenticeships, then the construction industry will suffer as the trade won’t be passed down.”

For Scott, apprenticeships are an important part of keeping the industry moving and making sure there are skilled people coming through.

But he’s also clear that apprentices must put the effort in themselves. He said: “If they show an interest and they’re willing to learn, if they’re putting the effort in, you’re more than happy to put the same effort in and help them in return.”

It’s a two-way thing. Show that you’re interested, be willing to learn and the people around you will be willing to share what they know.

Scott’s advice to the next generation

So, what advice would Scott give to someone starting an apprenticeship with Fleming today?

“Show willingness, be keen and just try and apply yourself.”

There’s one other piece of advice that probably wasn’t quite as relevant when Scott started his apprenticeship in 1992: “Put the mobile phone away in your pocket.”

When asked what he would tell his younger self; his answer is simple: “It’s what you make of it.”

More than 30 years on, Scott has gone from Apprentice to Supervisor and now has the chance to pass on what he’s learned along the way.

His story is a good reminder of what an apprenticeship can lead to and why giving someone their first opportunity really matters.