An ambitious teenager who sparked an online appeal to find him a job has told of his joy after securing an apprenticeship with a local firm.
We reported on Louis Kelly’s bid to find a job after an entrepreneur described him as an “absolute asset to any business”.
Helensburgh company Scottish Window Solutions reached out to us and we put the firm in touch with Louis – which has now offered him a full-time apprenticeship.
The 17-year-old said: “I got a phone call after the article went in the Lennox and they invited me in for an interview.
“I started working on a trial basis for a month at the end of May. It’s a joinery and carpentry apprenticeship and I’ll be starting a college course in August for two years and advance craft for the third year.
“It’s really good. I’m enjoying it. It’s early mornings but I don’t mind that. They are really nice people and have been really welcoming.
“I have been all over at different jobs. I was in Edinburgh for two days and at Braehead.”
The online appeal was sparked after Louis put in a hard day’s graft at pub The Keep ahead of its reopening, seriously impressing owner James Samain.
The determined teen answered a call for labour help, walking around two-and-a-half miles to the Castlehill pub from his home in Renton.
James put a post on Facebook later that day, praising Louis and calling on anyone looking for an apprentice to give him a chance – even promising to treat Louis to a workwear set and toolkit once he received a formal offer.
James said at the time: “I go through a lot of apprentices and it’s rare to find young boys like Louis.
“He is a right grafter and is willing to work.
“I left school when I was 15 because I hated it, but I have done alright for myself.
“As long as you have the drive, the rest will fall into place.”
Louis told how the Facebook post had left his mum in tears, adding: “When my mum saw it, she was greetin’, and then my aunt was greetin’.
“It really gave me a chance to show what I can do.
“It’s given me an opportunity and I’m really grateful to him for that.”
The former Vale of Leven Academy pupil said he had been struggling with school since the pandemic began but said the encouragement had given him the determination to get his head down and study for his exams this year.
He has now completed his exams and is waiting on the results.
He added: “That’s me finished at school now which I’m happy about.
“I think I did alright in the exams. I’ve been wanting to drive and now I’ve turned 17, my mum bought me a block of 10 driving lessons so I’m looking forward to getting my licence and having my own car one day.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given.”
Linda Wilson, director of Scottish Window Solutions, said: “I read the article online and it was a case of the right place at the right time because we were looking to take on an apprentice.
“I was really impressed by the fact he had taken the initiative himself.
“The chap who took him on was really impressed so I decided to reach out.
“It’s going really well. He is very enthusiastic and we’re really pleased with how it’s all worked out.”
