We’re delighted to announce the addition of two new apprentices, Zak Johnston and William McKenzie, who joined us in August this year. They will be working towards an Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering, closely guided by their journeymen, Bruce Mooney and Sean Swailes, who will provide mentorship and hands-on experience throughout their training. These apprenticeships, offered in partnership with Forth Valley College, span four years and represent our continued commitment to nurturing young talent and expanding our skilled workforce.

William McKenzie:

What I’ve Enjoyed Most in the First 3 Months

The highlight of my apprenticeship has been learning how to weld, a skill I’ve taken to naturally and enjoy immensely. I’m grateful to be part of a dedicated team that supports my growth and skill development. Working towards a trade is incredibly rewarding.

Biggest Challenge

The hardest part has been learning the terminology associated with all the equipment. Stick welding has also been a challenge, as it requires precise hand-eye coordination.

How I’ve Overcome This Challenge

I’m addressing these challenges by practicing stick welding whenever possible. On my first day at Tams Loup, I welded a cube and have been adding to it consistently. I also keep a notebook to reinforce terminology and participate in a variety of tasks to support my learning.

Proudest Achievement

I’m proud to be a part of Tillicoultry Quarries, a company that’s lived up to its promises from the start. I’ve been provided with tools, resources, and fantastic mentorship from my journeyman, Bruce, to help me progress in my career.

Zak Johnston:

What I’ve Enjoyed Most in the First 3 Months

I’ve enjoyed familiarising myself with the site and workshop, and meeting everyone on the team. The work is interesting, and I’m learning the “why” behind each task. I’m looking forward to moving on to power tools but understand that mastering the basics is essential.

Biggest Challenge

The biggest challenge has been keeping busy and managing my patience. While I’m progressing quickly, I still need guidance from Sean for many tasks. It can be frustrating, but I know that with time, I’ll become more independent.

How I’ve Overcome This Challenge

I’m tackling this by staying patient and observing Sean and other team members closely. I involve myself in as many tasks as possible to learn as much as I can.

Proudest Achievement

One of my proudest achievements has been creating a multi-positional protection shield for a 360 excavator. I measured, cut, used a plasma cutter, and welded the piece, with Barry finishing it off. It’s still in use today!

At Tillicoultry Quarries, we’re proud to invest in the future of our industry by offering valuable training and career development to promising young apprentices. Welcome, Zak and William!