Bill McKay trophy for apprentice

AN ANNUAL award given to Dundee City Council’s Construction Services Apprentice of the Year has been picked up this year by a roofer.

Ruaraidh Harris, in his second year as a built-up flat roofer, was presented with the Bill McKay Trophy on Wednesday (January 24).

Second year electrician, Paddy Boyle was the 2024 runner-up in the competition which recognises the apprentice who has achieved the best results at college and work during their apprenticeship.

The trophy itself was donated in memory of the late Bill McKay, deputy director of Public Works (now part of the council’s neighbourhood services) from 1984 to 1993.

Mark Flynn, convener of Dundee City Council’s neighbourhood regeneration, housing and estate management committee said: “Congratulations are due to Ruaraidh for winning this year’s award and to Paddy for being runner up.

“It takes a lot of hard work to get this level of recognition from your peers and skilled trades people, both at college and on the tools with us.

“But I am sure that Ruaraidh and Paddy are not the only hard-working apprentices in construction services who are putting in the effort, not just to learn a trade for themselves but to help the people of the city to ensure that their homes and buildings meet the highest possible standards.”

Deputy convener Lynne Short, who also attended the prize-giving added: “Construction services play a key role in the council and apprentices and other recruits can pick up valuable skills and opportunities through their roles.

“The council’s apprenticeship schemes, as a whole, contributes to helping our city’s young people reach their full potential.”