Every year, the Fife Council Apprentice of the Year Awards celebrate the hard work and dedication of its current apprentices. The awards recognise their contribution to industries like construction, mechanical services, horticulture, and more.
CR Smith Manufacturing was delighted to support the event as principal sponsor to celebrate the apprentices and the real difference they make to Fife Council, its local communities and the wider economy.
Building Futures, Celebrating Excellence
The awards celebrate the young people and teams who are shaping Fife’s future workforce. By creating opportunities in fields from plumbing and joinery to electrical and housing services, the council ensures that apprentices gain both the technical skills and the confidence needed to succeed.
For nominees, being shortlisted is a huge achievement. For the council, these awards highlight the importance of investing in young people and the countless benefits that apprenticeships offer to them. Primarily, the Fife Council Apprenticeship programme emphasises the significance of hands-on learning, laying the foundation for lifelong careers built on craftsmanship, professionalism, and pride.
From Apprentice to Chairman
Gerard Eadie, Chairman of CR Smith began his professional journey just like the nominees: as an apprentice glazier with Fife Council. Reflecting on that time, he said:
“The four years I spent at Fife Council were among my most enjoyable… The standards, the principles, the confidence that I gained have stood me in great stead, and they’re the foundations that CR Smith has been built on.”
Today, CR Smith employs nearly 500 people across Scotland and every year runs its own apprenticeship programme, which has been tailored to meet company standards. Combining the certified Modern Apprenticeship in Site Carpentry and Joinery programme with bespoke company modules on customer service, teamwork and product-specific skills.
2025 Apprentices: Nominees and Winners
Fife Council’s apprenticeship programme is considered to be one of the UK’s best local government apprenticeship schemes, and there are around 130 trade apprentices currently enrolled.
The winners of the 2025 awards are:
- Fleet Services Winner – Kieran Mitchell, 3rd Year Mechanic
- Grounds Maintenance Winner – Louis Melville, 1st Year Horticultural Gardener
Craft:
- 1st Year Winner – Leon MacKenziem, Plumber
- 2nd Year Winner – Kieran Lynch, Electrician
- 3rd Year Winner – Hayden Gordon, Roof Slater & Tiler
- 4th Year Winner – Aaron Richardson, Workshop Joiner
Overall 2025 Apprentice of the Year Winner – Aaron Richardson
Ken Gourley, chief executive of Fife Council; Aaron Richardson, Fife Council Apprentice of the Year winner 2025; and Colin Eadie, managing director of CR Smith Manufacturing.
CR Smith Manufacturing. Gordon Ritson, Colin Eadie, Lucy Smith, Danny McArthur, Kerry Robertson, Kevin Eadie, Michelle Higgins, Donald Sayers
Colin Eadie, said this of being approached to be the 2025 principal sponsor:
“We didn’t hesitate. As a Fife-based manufacturer, we’re proud to stand behind this celebration.
Our company’s roots run deep in this community, and our partnership with Fife Council is one we value immensely. We’re delighted that the windows and doors we manufacture in Cowdenbeath are fitted by Fife Council’s own joiners and apprentice joiners into the homes of Fife residents.
Together, we’re not only making homes warmer, safer, and more energy-efficient — we’re also creating real opportunities for local people to grow and succeed.”
Building Tomorrow One Apprentice at a Time
For young people considering their next steps, these awards underscore that apprenticeships are more than training; they can be transformative. From council-led schemes to business leaders like Gerard Eadie, the message is one of dedication and support. Through hard work and care, apprenticeships can launch careers, fuel community spirit, and create confident professionals.
