From Apprenticeship to Directorship: Scott Nicoll

Scott Nicoll is a former pupil of Carnoustie High School.

At the age of 15 he decided he wanted to be a Joiner and made general course choices to help him in his future career.  In 2007 Scott achieved 4 Standard Grades General/Credit plus 4 Standard Grades General.

At the age of 15 ½ years whilst in 4^th year at CHS, Scott started a 1 year Introduction to Construction course at Angus College.  While attending college 3 days a week, this course gave Scott a taster for a career in construction with modules in Bricklaying, Joinery, Painting & Decorating.  Having developed an interest in joinery, Scott applied for an apprenticeship through the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) and started work with D J Laing Homes whilst undertaking a 4 year Carpentry and Joinery course at college.  

As part of his apprenticeship he did theory work at college and gained practical experience in the workplace, and successfully completed his apprenticeship plus his Advanced Craft.

During that time Scott learnt how to carry out shuttering and joists for foundations to be laid for a new house and manufactured and erected timber frame kits on a building site.  He also gained the knowledge and experience to carry out roughings; install internal partitions, windows, doors and finishings (skirtings) to new houses under construction.  

Whilst Scott enjoyed ‘serving his time’ with D J Laing Homes he preferred to work out on the building site so he went to work with a subcontractor and concentrated on erecting the kits as opposed to manufacturing them in a factory.

After 3 years with this Company, he decided to set up his own firm and became a self-employed joiner at the age of 23.  In January 2016, his Company, SAA Joinery Contracts Ltd secured a contract to carry out all joinery work on 60 new houses in Carnoustie then 72 houses in Dundee, employing up to 6 other joiners.  

Thanks to his hard work and dedication he recently found his dream home and became a homeowner.  He also refurbished a cottage and is now looking to expand into the property rental market.

Scott said “I enjoy building houses for a living.  I take pride in my work and believe if something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.  Although I didn’t really enjoy school, it equipped me with the skills that I needed in joinery and running my business.  I am fortunate that my career has provided me with a good source of income and continuous employment.  The construction industry has a skills shortage and with the demand for homes, there will always be a need for skilled trades so if you enjoy working with your hands or prefer a practical role, I would recommend a career in this industry”. 

D J Laing Homes said “Scott Nicoll started his career with us as an apprentice and has progressed in the industry to become a knowledgeable joiner and a hard worker who carries out his work to a high standard.  We are pleased that he has returned to work on our housing development as his Company and his team are fundamental in our construction process to drive our housebuilding programme forward”.