Building Skills for the Future: How Balhousie Glazing is Investing in Talent Through Modern Apprenticeships

At Balhousie Glazing, investing in people is a key part of building a successful future. Through their commitment to Modern Apprenticeships, the company is developing skilled tradespeople, strengthening its workforce, and creating long-term career opportunities within the glass and glazing industry.  

One Modern Apprentice benefiting from this commitment is Ben Ayton, who joined Balhousie Glazing as an Apprentice Window Fitter (MA Fenestration SCQF 5) in May. Before starting his Modern Apprenticeship, Ben was working within the industry but felt his progression had stalled due to a lack of formal training opportunities. Determined to become fully qualified and develop his trade skills, he actively sought an employer that would support his ambition.

“I was adamant that I wanted to progress in the double glazing industry through an apprenticeship.”

Since joining Balhousie Glazing and beginning his Modern Apprenticeship, Ben has gained extensive hands-on experience preparing, fitting and finishing window installations while developing a deeper understanding of the technical aspects behind every stage of the process.

The combination of practical experience and structured learning has had a significant impact on Ben’s confidence and development.

“Since starting my Modern Apprenticeship, my confidence in my craft has improved tenfold. I work faster, my quality of work has improved, and I’m learning new responsibilities, which continues to provide me with growth opportunities. This has all coincided with increased self-esteem.”

He added:

“Learning via a hands-on approach, while earning a qualification that provides technical knowledge, has really gone hand in hand, improving my knowledge, while allowing me to act on what I learn.”

Balhousie Glazing has seen similar benefits across its apprentice workforce. The company reports significant improvements in technical skills, confidence, teamwork, productivity and problem-solving abilities among apprentices participating in the programme.

For a growing business operating within a specialist industry, developing talent internally has become an important part of future workforce planning.

The impact of Modern Apprenticeships at Balhousie Glazing is clear. Nearly one-third of the current workforce originally joined the company as apprentices, demonstrating the long-term value of investing in young talent and skills development.

According to the company:

“Apprentices gain valuable qualifications, practical experience and a pathway into the industry, while we benefit from developing skilled employees who understand our business and can grow with us.”

Their experience highlights how Modern Apprenticeships can benefit both employers and learners by creating skilled, confident employees while helping businesses secure the talent they need for long-term success.

“Overall, our experience with RT Resources and the Modern Apprenticeship scheme has been extremely positive. The programme has given us the opportunity to bring new talent into the business, develop their skills and watch them grow in confidence and ability.

For a small business, investing in apprentices is a long-term commitment, but we have seen first-hand the value it can bring. Several members of our current workforce have progressed through apprenticeships with Balhousie, and we would certainly encourage other businesses to consider taking the same approach.

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You can find out more information about our Glass Industry Occupation qualifications here. We also have a Glass Employer Guide available for download or contact us to discuss your requirements.