Euan Forsyth's journey as a roofing apprentice has not only equipped him with vital skills for the workplace but has also significantly increased his confidence.
Euan, who won the BMI Redland Roofing Apprentice of the Year last summer, balances his studies at the College’s Glenrothes Campus with hands-on learning at Mithril Roofing and Building in Kirkcaldy. Reflecting on his path into roofing, Euan shared, “I started off working as a joiner-labourer and then I ended up falling into roofing. My boss told me if I did that for a year, he would then put me through my apprenticeship.”
He appreciates the dynamic learning environment at Fife College, where he spends two weeks in college, every fortnight: “We've got a different unit every time we go in. It's always changing, [and I’m] picking up loads of skills every time.”
Euan's recognition as Apprentice of the Year followed a competitive event where he outperformed 20 fellow apprentices. The award brought him a £1,000 cash prize and three years of further training through the BMI Academy.
“It was a bit surreal, to be honest. I wasn't expecting it. I felt like I'd done well in the competition but didn’t expect to win it,” he admitted. The experience also served as a catalyst for personal growth: “I learned a lot from it too. I was always quite a shy person. After coming back up, I was a lot more confident in speaking to customers and being in college.”
Brian Hutton, Euan's lecturer, praised his achievements: “We were very proud of what Euan achieved for himself, for us as a College and for the Fife region. Euan is a very good student and one of the best we’ve had over the last few years. Nothing is too much trouble; he always thinks ahead, and I think that’s what shone through for his award last year.”