A PLASTERER from Greenock has been named Scottish Apprentice of the Year.

John McMenamin, 21, scooped the award at the 2019 Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Apprenticeship Awards.

The ceremony in London celebrated the achievements of apprentices and employers across the UK and their commitment and dedication to construction.

John, who works alongside his dad and grandad at their family business, John McMenamin Plastering Services Ltd, was presented with his award by broadcaster and property entrepreneur, Sarah Beeny.

John said: “It feels great to win this award and I’m honoured to collect it.

"I’ve had a great experience throughout my apprenticeship and I’ve really enjoyed being able to mentor other students at my college as well as to help our family plastering business maintain its reputation for excellent and reliable work.

“I’d like to thank my family, my employer and my teachers at the City of Glasgow College, who’ve supported me all the way.”

John also won gold in plastering at the national final of CITB’s Skillbuild competition in November.

Having completed construction ambassador training through WorldSkills to become a trainer, his college will look to him to mentor future graduates and say they would like to see him return as a lecturer.

Sian Mathews, CITB apprenticeship officer, said: “For me, John really embodies all we could hope for in our apprentices when they start their apprenticeship journey.

“He has an excellent attitude to his practical and theory work, passing all of his assessments at the first attempt.

"John has gone from strength to strength, even delivering ornamental training to the National Progression Award class.

"He took on the challenge, and proved a good mentor to students.

“John is extremely deserving of this award and I am so pleased for him."

Ian Hughes partnerships director for CITB Scotland believes John is a great example to other apprentices.

He said: “Congratulations to John on behalf of everyone at CITB on this fantastic win.

"He has proven himself as exceptionally talented and committed to the industry and we are very proud to support him.

“John represents a great example to other young people who might be considering taking up a job in construction, and indeed to employers who are thinking about taking on an apprentice.

"The industry has exciting, challenging and flexible career opportunities for everyone.”