Fortem apprentice Jamie says: “Follow in my footsteps”

Apprentice carpenter Jamie Meekin (19), who joined council repairs firm Fortem straight after completing his GCSEs, marked National Apprenticeship Week by recommending others take a similar route into paid work.

Jamie (pictured), who is based at Fortem’s offices at Bradmarsh Business Park in Rawmarsh, said: “I 100 per cent recommend Fortem’s apprenticeship scheme.

“If you’re a hands-on person and want to get on with stuff, an apprenticeship is definitely the way forward.”

Ryan Wilkes, general manager of Fortem’s council contract, added: “Our apprentices are doing exceptionally well on their schemes with us and I’m extremely proud of them.

“We work closely with Rotherham College to provide local people with the opportunity to learn life-long skills in our workplace, while studying for a qualification at the same time.”

Fortem is currently seeking six new apprentices for its Rotherham repairs service — but applications have to be in quickly as the deadline is next Friday (March 16).

Future electricians, carpenters, gas engineers and plumbers should email

[email protected].