A local business owner has said that applications for their often sought after apprenticeship scheme have been surprisingly low this year.
David Boyle, 30, who is the managing director of iFire UK, has said that they are normally inundated with hundreds of applications each August but that so far, they have only received two applications from aspiring apprentices.
David says that he left school himself at age 15 with no qualifications and says that he is now the managing director of three companies turning over seven figure sums. He says that he is looking to offer an opportunity to young applicants who are looking to kickstart a career under the stewardship of his experienced engineers.
READ MORE: Edinburgh family pour their passion into reopening city's lost wine merchants
On the lack of applicants, he said: “As a company, we normally take on apprentices each year. Even through Covid, the company was able to continue with good growth and we took on two apprentices that are due to start their second year at the end of August.
“Normally, when we put out an advert, we get hundreds of applications. We post in local facebook groups to try and encourage locals to engage and get a local apprentice.
“However the call for an apprentice this year has fallen on deaf ears. We have had only two applications since we put out our adverts despite posting on as many platforms as we can.
“We do not seem to be getting anywhere. As a company we are not like your traditional fire and security businesses, we’re more technologically advanced.
“There are many companies out there that are stuck with the old times and are scared to change. We push for the most modern technologies all of the time.
“Our engineers spend a lot of time programming systems and doing work remotely rather than just pulling cables.
“We don’t pay minimum wage like most do, we have always paid more for apprentices to encourage them to grow with the company. All of the apprentices we have put through their apprenticeship are still working with us. When apprentices join us we buy them all the tools they need to do the job.”
David adds that successful applicants will work with reputable companies such as the Range homestore, Peter Vardy, Forth One, Farmfoods and even Pets at Home. He says that iFire UK is a family run business with family morals.
He continued: “We operate mainly in the commercial marketplace which allows us to use the latest in technology and put our engineering skill set to proper use. Our apprentices are taught by experienced engineers and are pushed to progress well within the company to ensure they make a career of it.
“I have interviewed many apprentices over the years and have found the key to finding good candidates. I always request a cover note when applicants hand in a CV.
“I find this is especially important when you are looking at younger candidates as you learn more about them in a cover note than a CV. For me there are four key attributes for the interview: turning up on time, dressed to impress, are able to hold a conversation and have manners.
“I really don’t look much further. I myself dropped out of school at 15 without sitting and standard grades to start my career, I’m now the managing director of three companies turning over seven figure sums.
“I didn’t like the school system, I didn’t like being treated as a child. Leaving school and starting to work full time was the best thing I ever did.
“Bringing apprentices into the company is a key part in our success.”
Apprentices for iFire UK will learn to install, maintain and commission all aspects of CCTV systems, fire alarm systems, intruder alarm systems and access control systems.
David says that applications are still open until the end of August and that all candidates have to do is send a CV and cover note to admin@ifireuk.com.
READ NEXT:
Edinburgh police launch search for missing man as concern for his welfare grows
Young Edinburgh footballer 'racially abused' by man on touchline during game
Edinburgh M8 lorry driver dies after truck crashes and overturns on busy motorway
Edinburgh motorcyclist 'threatened with a blade' by masked riders at 40mph
When supermodel Caprice wowed Edinburgh fans at Revolution nightclub in 1999
