A NEW door has quite literally opened for a former Ferguson’s apprentice who was axed when the shipyard went bust.

Darren Logan was gutted when the firm plunged into administration and feared he would never finish his training.

But he has been thrown a lifeline by joinery firm Blairs Windows and now has a bright future.

Darren, 24, a wood machinist from Port Glasgow, said: “I was gutted at what happened at Ferguson’s.

“I thought I was going to get my time served there and keep up the family tradition.

“My uncle Alex Logan is the shop steward and my dad Billy Logan worked there too.” But starting at Blairs is like ‘coming home’ for Darren — who started his apprenticeship with the Baker Street business.

It too got into trouble in January 2011 before it was rescued by local company Arranglen Ltd, run by local businessmen James and Sandy Easdale.

Darren said: “I’ve come full circle.

“I came in for an interview and was asked to come back to start.

“I started at 18 and I’ve a year to go — I feel it’s been the longest apprenticeship ever.” Darren will replace David Pearson, who was due to retire but has agreed to stay on three days a week to mentor Darren and other young workers.

David, who has been with Blairs for 26 years overall, said: “I was asked to stay on to show the boys my skills. I’ve worked on a lot of different machines — I’m passing on those specialist skills.” David believes passionately in the business and wants to do everything he can to ensure its future.

He said: “I have known the men who work here from the time of the old Blairs and I want the company to succeed so their jobs are secure.” David was swift to praise the new generation of young talent coming into the firm.

He said: “The young people are the future. It’s obvious that Darren has learned a lot from Ferguson’s and he’s fitted in to our section — it’s as if he’s always been there.

“We have a lot of talent in here — a lot of young guys who will make a name for themselves.” Blairs operation manager Andy Irvine said: “Darren is a great recruit for the business.

“He ties in well with David and he is an able replacement.” Blairs reopened with 12 workers three and a half years ago and now has 71 employees.

Andy said: “We have a lot of talented people here making quality products for all over the UK.” Meanwhile there has also been good news for another of the former Ferguson’s apprentices, Jill Hughes.

She has been taken on by James Fisher Defence in Inchinnan, Renfrewshire.