Hebburn apprentice scaffolder scaling new heights

Jan 15 2010 by Chris Knox, The Journal

A YOUNG apprentice scaffolder from Hebburn is scaling new heights on one of the world’s most famous bridges, thanks to Gateshead industrial services firm Pyeroy.

Ryan Wade, 21, has been recruited by Pyeroy for its apprenticeship scheme to be trained in the latest scaffolding skills and techniques.

He is already working on several Pyeroy contracts, including London’s historic Tower Bridge where he is part of a team erecting access scaffolding to enable repainting work to be undertaken as part of a multi-million pound refurbishment scheme.

Mr Wade said: “I’m learning some really good skills and enjoying working on some really big projects.

“Helping to put up the scaffolding on Tower Bridge – one of the most famous bridges in the world – has been very rewarding and something I’ll not forget.”

The company has also recruited as apprentices Anth Lewis, 21, from Mackley, Jack Howell, 16, from Washington, Daniel Knight, 22, from South Shields, Joel Williams, 21, from Gateshead and 23-year-old Chris Bell from Wallsend.

Practical experience will be supplemented by studies at Newcastle College where the six will be aiming to gain their Scaffolding Basic (Part 1 and Part 2) awards.

Pyeroy’s regional director Lindsay Harle said Pyeroy currently employs upwards of 300 scaffolders depending on workload and demand.

He added: “Pyeroy is committed to having a highly skilled workforce to meet customer requirements.

“To achieve this we have a policy of recruiting competent and enthusiastic apprentices, so I really look forward to Ryan and his colleagues having a successful career with Pyeroy.”