A brother and sister duo have spoken of their apprenticeship experiences with a leading construction company.

Johnathan and Caitlyn Beaton are part of the inducted 55 new apprentices in late 2023.

The Pollokshaws siblings are paving contrasting career paths with Caitlyn, 21, training as a Building Management Systems Engineer, and brother Johnathan in his first year as a plumbing apprentice.

Caitlyn, who started as an apprentice electrician in 2019, said: “An apprenticeship was not actually my initial career choice once I left school – I went to university to study primary teaching. I’ve always been a practical person – I want to go out and learn by doing rather than someone lecturing to me.

"So, the more theory-based learning style at university didn’t gel with me.

“There is lots of support for young women in the apprenticeship programme, like dedicated training officers you can speak to if anything does make you feel uncomfortable.

"All apprentices also go through training about equality and diversity as part of their course. I’ve always had a great experience.”

Following her apprenticeship, Caitlyn advanced to train in Building Management Systems, with her training focused on green skills.

Her current role, she said, is focused on reducing energy consumption and ensuring their sites are efficient.

Her younger brother Johnathan, 16, is completing his first year as a City Building plumbing apprentice.

He said: "I’ve learned how to problem solve and handle workplace pressure during my apprenticeship – two transferable skills that I will probably use for the rest of my life.

"I’ve also got a lot of experience working out at maintenance sites – you get to meet people from all walks of life when out to do maintenance repairs - no two days are the same, which suits someone like me perfectly.

“The training college is unreal – I can’t think of anywhere else where you get to learn a trade like this. It’s brand new and has everything you need to learn across the board.”