Donaldson Timber Systems’ (DTS) fixings supplier for its Witney factory, YB Fixings, has donated two nail guns to support DTS’ apprenticeship programme with West Herts College.

Beneficiary of one of the nail guns, James Hammond, has been undertaking an apprenticeship with DTS and its service level agreement partner, S.E. Carpentry, for five months as part of the College’s Level 2 City and Guilds carpentry course. The second will be used by the second apprentice who will join the team shortly. Worth over £1,200, the nail guns will support James’ skills development in timber frame construction and bolster his future career in the construction industry.

Under the 2.5 year programme, each apprentice will spend four days per week on-site, delivered by S.E. Carpentry, with one day focusing on in-class modules, including an additional module on modern methods of construction (MMC) for timber frame that was developed in partnership with DTS.

Commenting on the donation, James said: “I’m grateful to YB Fixings for the nail guns, which will be vital in gaining hands-on training and developing my skills in timber frame construction. It has been fantastic to learn from the DTS and S.E. Carpentry teams and I’m excited to develop my experience over the next two years.”

Joe Romo, Senior Contracts Manager at DTS, said: “At DTS, we’re committed to enabling skills development in the next generation so it is brilliant that our suppliers and partners also support our partnership with West Herts College. We’re already seeing incredible progress in our first apprentice and we look forward to continuing to support their learning and development.”

Spencer Earl, Director of S.E. Carpentry, said: “We are very pleased to be part of this pioneering scheme, delivered by West Herts College and supported by DTS, to further educate apprentices in our sector of the construction industry. James is the first in hopefully a very long line that will become part of the S.E. Carpentry family.”

Rachel Hudson, Managing Director at YB Fixings, said: “Investing in the tools of an apprentice is sowing the seeds of a skilled craftsman. By donating the tools needed for their trade, we empower them to shape their future with their own hands, unlocking a world of possibilities. We hope to help build a stronger and more skilled workforce for generations to come and YB Fixings are excited to be a part of this with DTS.”

Currently led by the sixth generation of Donaldson, the 163-year-old Donaldson Group comprises a total of 16 specialist timber and building product businesses and brands, operating throughout the UK from 49 locations employing over 1,700 people. The businesses that make up the Group trade and operate independently, sharing best practice, innovation, purchasing synergies, and market analysis.