Find out why Darren Thomson studied an HNC in Joinery.

As part of our John Mather Trust Awards coverage, we're speaking to some of this year's recipients to find out what they're up to now, and how they enjoyed their time at Ayrshire College.

The John Mather Trust rewards our graduates who have: learned a trade and gone into employment, an apprenticeship or set up their own business within the past year. Those fortunate enough to be eligible for a John Mather award received a set of tools of the trade to help them in their careers.

The newest member of our marketing team, Claire Todd caught up with Darren Thomson about his Joinery course at Ayrshire College. Read on to find out more.

What course did you study and why did you choose it?

I studied Joinery. I applied because I previously worked as a labourer and slinger on various sites and worked beside joiners, and I knew I would enjoy this job long term.

What does a typical day on the course involve?

We learn how to make various joints and we have built a door, door within frame and we have laid out floors. We gained a lot more knowledge of the various tools that we will be using on a daily basis. We also do drawings that give us a basic understanding of when we are looking at building on a smaller scale.

What did you love about your course?

I like the knowledge I am gaining that I can take in and use in the future.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting this course?

There is a lot of problem solving so be good at that and have a good initiative.

What is your role and what company do you now work for?

I am an Apprentice Joiner and I work for Cowan and Davidson.

Why did you choose this career and is the reality of the role what you expected?

I chose it because I have done various jobs with joiners in the past and I enjoy building and problem solving. Yes, I knew the role I was getting into.

What does a typical day in your role involve?

Metal stud partitions and a lot of drywalling.

What do you love about your job?

We are always busy and there’s always jobs to be done and the knowledge I am gaining.

How did your college course help you prepare for this role?

It was mainly the use of certain tools and giving me more understanding of the way joiners construct works.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting this career?

It’s a good career and there’s a lot of knowledge to gain.

What is next for you?

Hopefully later on in life I can have my own business.

View our Joinery courses here: https://www1.ayrshire.ac.uk/find-a-course/all-courses/trades/