The James Birnie Award for Craft Excellence

Winners 2006

Apprentice of the Year 2006

Erik Laughton of R Clouston Ltd, Orkney

Erik is employed as a Wood Machining apprentice with R Clouston Ltd of Orkney. Erik was a runner up for the James Birnie Award in 2005.

Erik's outstanding skill and high standards of work have earned him ‘Best Overall’ two consecutive years at Telford College, where he has also previously been awarded the Telford Wood Trades Staff Cup.

Adult Apprentice of the Year 2006

Kara-Lyn Mackeller of CPD Ltd, Dunoon

Kara-Lyn was employed as an adult carpentry and joinery apprentice with CPD Ltd of Dunoon. Kara-Lyn has now completed her apprenticeship and is permanently employed by CPD Ltd.

Kara-Lyn's theoretical approach and exceptionally skilled drawings and sketches previously won her the Group Prize during her college days at James Watt College. Before choosing a career in construction, Kara-Lyn obtained a degree in Interior Design.

Erik and Kara-Lyn are pictured above at last year's presentation with, from left to right - Michael Levack- Employers' Secretary of SBATC and Chief Executive of Scottish Building Federation, David Smith - Chairman of SBATC and member of selection panel for this award, James Birnie MBE, Frank McKenna - UCATT and member of selection panel for this award along with Scott Allardyce - Banchory Contractors, member of SBATC and selection panel for this award.