AN apprentice joiner whose luck was cut short during last year's construction downturn has been given a second shot at success.
Stephen Boyle, 20, was six months away from becoming fully accredited when his employer of three years was forced to let him go because of financial pressures.
Through North Lanarkshire's Working employability programme, Stephen, from Newmains, was interviewed and recommended to Graham Construction and set to work on one of the firm's largest projects – the new Scottish Crime Campus at Gartcosh.
The £82 million Scottish Government facility will bring together the full range of Scotland's crime-busting organisations.
Work began in early 2011 and was completed in April this year.
Stephen started in October last year and was kept busy preparing timber frames for the concrete pouring process and installing external finishes.
Now Stephen has served his apprenticeship, secured a permanent job with the company. and is ready to take his trade test to qualify as a joiner.
He said: "I was so glad of the opportunity to get back to work again. I really enjoy joinery but was worried about finding another position while the industry was suffering.
Graham contracts manager Pat O'Hare, said: "The last year or so has been tough for the construction industry, so it's great to be able to offer people like Stephen a second chance."