In September last year, 16-year-old Rory McAinsh from Stenhousemuir, Falkirk, Scotland, began his marketing apprenticeship with Yard Direct.
Rory has been involved in the marketing and supply of roof windows and a range of other construction products to contractors. A statement said that he has become a key player in recommending the right window fittings and securing competitive prices, and this hands-on experience has boosted his skills in sales and marketing.
Over the course of his apprenticeship, Rory’s knowledge of construction products, including different types of roof windows and installation methods, has expanded significantly, according to a statement.
A typical day for Rory involves juggling work tasks, responding to customer inquiries and managing coursework. Yard Direct said that he has benefited from the mentorship of his supervisors and experienced colleagues at Yard Direct, who have given him guidance and shared their knowledge with him. Shadowing them has enabled him to grasp the essential procedures and best practices in the marketing of construction products, the company added.
Rory said: “I did really want to go to university before, but generally I was just following the trends of everyone else’s paths and not creating my own. As I noticed that I enjoyed the working life much more, I reviewed all the aspects of university and found more disadvantages than an apprenticeship, for example, student loans.”
Rory shared some advice for fellow apprentices. He added: “Take everything you can, absorb everything you learn so you can get the absolute most out of your apprenticeship. With that, hopefully, you can progress along your journey even further.”
He said that his long-term vision is to continue honing his marketing skills and build a secure and successful career within the construction industry.
Rory’s apprenticeship is part of a broader initiative by the builders’ merchants buying society NMBS, who commemorated their 60th anniversary in 2023 by recruiting 60 apprentices into the industry. NMBS are working with the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) and LEAP, on an ambitious apprenticeship programme that aims to bridge the skills gap and shape the future of the construction sector.
Dean Hayward, head of sales and marketing at NMBS, said: “The construction sector needs a new generation of passionate and dedicated staff like Rory to sustain it into the future as it adapts to new challenges and opportunities.
“We are proud to support Rory and other apprentices, who are bringing new ideas and values, enthusiasm and dedication to the construction sector. Their success is a testament to the value of apprenticeships and the pivotal role they play in addressing the skills gap and shaping the industry’s future.”
