Two young men are hoping to make the most of a new apprenticeship after they joined the team at a local plumbing and heating company.

Kyle Finn, from Clydebank, is one of two latest apprentices to be hired at Old Kilpatrick-based business John Docherty & Co.

The 20-year-old currently attends college as well as learning on the job, something he feels will be great for his training.

Kyle said: “I am attending Glasgow Clyde College, Anniesland, as well as learning on the job with the qualified joiners whom John employs.

“It is great training for a career in the property and construction sector and I want to make the most of this opportunity.”

Starting alongside Kyle is 20-year-old Aaron Hoyland, from Dumbarton, who studies at West College Scotland’s Clydebank campus.

Aaron said: “John actually offered me a job before lockdown, but I have only just started and I am very keen to get going.

“I am spending weeks at a time at West College Scotland’s Clydebank Campus and also working with the company.

“I am really enjoying the variety and new experiences.”

The youngsters will be working for John Docherty, taking the number of people that he has introduced to the plumbing, heating, and construction sector to 11.

John, who holds a highly esteemed Master Plumber Certificate, first started out in business as a self-employed plumber and heating specialist in 1999 and now employs 18 people.

He is actively looking to add to his staff to meet the increasing demand for his services.

Aaron’s plumbing apprenticeship is being funded by the Scotland and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation (SNIPEF) of which John is now the Junior Vice-President and Kyle’s joinery apprenticeship is being funded by West Dunbartonshire Council, through whom John sourced the pair.

John said he is “pleased to play his part” in welcoming ambitious youngsters into the plumbing and heating sector.

He said: “SNIPEF has consistently encouraged employers to welcome ambitious people into the vital plumbing and heating sector and I am pleased to be able to play my part.

“It is gratifying to see the levels of interest in the industry at the moment as people realise that plumbers are among the service sector’s top earners and that they can make a serious societal contribution in terms of sustainable heating as the country transitions to Net Zero.

“The four-year apprenticeship course is challenging, requiring a clear understanding of maths and science, but working with young people like Aaron and Kyle is a pleasure as they are so keen, committed, and eager to learn.

“A plumbing qualification is an excellent gateway to further study which, in turn, opens the door to a range of professional career options.

"I am a firm believer in continuous learning and recommend that approach to all the members of my team.”

John, whose business at one point worked as a sub-contractor to British Gas, has built up an impressive client portfolio over the years.

This includes housing associations, housing developers, insurance companies, and even the Forestry Commission, installing facilities at campsites.

His biggest job to date was installing services for 80 en-suite bathrooms in Glasgow’s voco Grand Central Hotel on the fifth floor.

This floor had previously not been occupied for 70 years and had no plumbing infrastructure whatsoever.

John added: “It is great to be able to give these people a good grounding on which they can build a tremendous career.

“All our previous apprentices are still working in the profession and they stay in touch with us – even one who is making a good living in Barcelona.”

Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, said: “It can take years to become a successful plumbing or heating engineer and it requires lifelong learning as the pace of technological change continues to accelerate.

“SNIPEF and other trade associations are strongly supportive of apprenticeships – as are employers, who want to future-proof their companies with qualified, skilled, and enthusiastic employees – and it is great to see John playing his part.”