Running last week from the 9th – 15th of February, was National Apprenticeship Week, or NAW for short!
So what is National Apprenticeship Week?
This is a week that we dedicate to highlighting the opportunities and lifelong skills that come with apprenticeships. It encourages employers to reflect on their current apprentices, as well as encouraging them to open any possible vacancies. It is also for current job seekers looking to gain experience or even make changes to their own career path- as apprenticeships are not for just one age category, they are for everyone.
Last week at C.D.S. we took the time to reflect on our own apprentices- as they all play a very integral role in our company! Each member we have brought on in the past few years, whether they have stayed with us or continued their career elsewhere, has displayed admirable commitment to their work as to the company. This is why our doors are always open to anyone looking to start their career at C.D.S.!
We took some time to talk to our apprentices and a few of them felt comfortable enough to share their experiences of their apprenticeships so far! We interviewed Rhys, Leon & Lewis.
Rhys Murray,
Apprentice Fitter
Rhys started with us at the end of October 2025 as one of our new apprentice fitters. Working alongside our Maintenance Manager, Tommy Aitkens, Rhys has been learning the ropes for our plant maintenance/repairs, with hopes to progress within C.D.S. as one of our drilling operators!
When asked about his time here so far with Core Drilling Specialists, Rhys said that it has given him “invaluable hands-on experience. I have been able to develop new technical skills to grow professionally, while working alongside a highly skilled and supportive team.”
Leon Drynan
Apprentice Drilling & Cutting Operative
Since beginning with us last summer, Leon has soared through his apprenticeship with flying colours – all with a big smile on his face! From overnight stays working on our Rothesay sites – to ones in Glasgow, Leon has just started to experience the opportunities to travel over the UK to our various jobs, and looks forward to seeing how many places he can tick off on his map! When asked, Leon said his favourite site to work on so far has been; “The Glasgow North Rotunda, it’s so cool to be able to work on such an old and historic building with such care. Especially knowing that when it opens back up again, I’ll be able to say I played a part in it’s renovation. “
Upon speaking about his apprenticeship here at C.D.S. said that he particularly enjoys coring and sawing, “It’s really fun to do and its so different than anything I’ve done before, nothing else comes close to it. I like being so actively involved in a project. “
Lewis Murray
Apprentice Demolition & Drilling Operative
Lewis left school straight from 5th year to come and join our team, wanting the fastest route to working full time and beginning his career – and has since picked everything else up as quick as he started!
Through his dual apprenticeship, Lewis is currently learning the skills to be both a qualified drilling and demolition operative. When asked which he enjoyed more, Lewis said that while he enjoys having “the option to do both, I prefer the demo sides of things. Although it’s controlled, Wreck it Ralf was always my favourite movie as a kid…”
All our apprentices here at C.D.S continue to impress and proudly represent our company and we are very proud to have them here starting their careers in construction!
If you or are interested to learn more or begin your apprenticeship here at C.D.S. email us at admin@coredrilling.co.uk or call us on 01506637840.
For more information and resources for NAW, visit: https://lnkd.in/eW2RpvpU
