Fraser applied for an apprenticeship at Bridge of Weir after seeing an advert in the local job centre. He knew there was a tannery making leather near his home but did not know how it was made or who it was being sold to. Although he had previously smelt the tannery, he could not imagine what it would be like inside and found it to be clean and safe and much better than expected. In fact, he was surprised at how nice the it was.

Fraser came to the industry as a school leaver and could have continued his education at college or university. He has also previously worked  in retail and as a gardener but has found working in the leather industry to be much more fulfilling. He is mentally and physically engaged by the work and gets pleasure in seeing the end product. As an apprentice, he has experienced all aspects of the production process and says that the amount of work required to make a piece of leather is “Mental!”. He is very interested in the science behind the process and is always learning something new.

His apprenticeship is a mixture of  on the job training and college education. In addition to the training in manufacturing and vocational qualifications, he is also learning a broad mix of transferrable skills, such as presenting and teamwork. However, his intention is to make a career in the industry and would recommend the apprenticeship route. As he says, “making a nice piece of leather is a good feeling”.