Two members of staff at a top Lanarkshire confectionery firm with nearly seven decades of combined service have hailed the "wonderful team ethic" as the company look to fill some key roles.
Anne Aitchison and Brian Sinclair continue to "love" their jobs at Lees of Scotland in Coatbridge - and shared what their time with the organisation has meant to them with Lanarkshire Live.
Anne, 60, from Coatbridge is the firm's HR training officer and has been with Lees for more than 40 years.
She told Lanarkshire Live : "Before becoming HR training officer, I was a packer and line leader on the balcony.
"I love my job. Every day is different with different demands which keeps things very interesting.
"The best part of the job is working with other people and helping them grow and develop in their role; it’s a rewarding feeling seeing them progress.
"I have developed close relationships with all of the employees. A lot of them have been here for more than 20 years so they start to become like family.
"I’ve recommended working for Lees to numerous family members over the years who have ended up working here.
"My nieces and nephews got summer jobs at the factory while at university, and my two sisters and brother currently work here too."
Brian, originally from Glenboig but now living in Airdrie, is Lees' inventory manager.
The 48-year-old started working for the company straight from school.
He added: "I began life at Lees as a trainee warehouse operative then moved on to become team leader before my current role.
"Every day on the job is very different as I get called from various team members to help with factory activity.
"Some days are quite challenging as situations outwith our control can pop up and you have to adapt what you are doing. But that makes it interesting.
"The people you work with, and the work environment, is good. We get the work done but are able to have a laugh at the same time.
"I have had a lot of great times over the years, built close relationships with other employees and actually met my lovely wife working at Lees.
"Lees have helped and supported me in progressing with my career over the past 12 years."
Shirley Simson, Lees of Scotland operations director, praised the contributions made by Anne and Brian, saying: "Anne has been with Lees for over 40 years, which is testament to Lees being very a community and family focused organisation.
"Anne showed great potential and, as a result, worked her way up to her current role of HR training advisor.
"When Brian first started working at Lees’ he was a forklift truck driver and through his commitment and ability, was able to progress into his current role.
"I have known Anne and Brian for over 30 years and it has been a pleasure to work with them.
"Both Anne and Brian have demonstrated that it is possible to join Lees without any previous qualifications or managerial experience and, through internal training and support, successfully climb a career ladder."
Lees of Scotland is currently seeking to fill the following roles: dayshift meringue process operative; dayshift meringue packing operator; dayshift meringue speller; dayshift warehouse operator; backshift warehouse operative; and nightshift process operative.
To register an interest in any of these jobs, head online.
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