Xplore Dundee and the youth work charity Helm is celebrating a successful partnership, just months after joining forces.

The bus operator’s offered an engineering apprenticeship to Mason Melville, following a period of work experience at its city centre garage. Mason’s placement was one of the first since Xplore Dundee became one of Helm’s partners earlier this year.  

Engineering Manager Frank Sheach said: “Mason continually showed enthusiasm, commitment and dedication.  He was very unique and I couldn’t let him go, so even though I didn’t have a vacancy for an apprentice I decided to create a further position and offer it to Mason so we could retain his talent and continue supporting his development in bus engineering.

“It has been a great start to our relationship with Helm, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside Helm in offering work placements and experience for more young people in Dundee.”

Mason has been with the charity Helm since February this year and quickly gained qualifications in car maintenance in their social enterprise garage, Spick & Spanners. After starting with Xplore Dundee in April, he made a positive impression, with colleagues commenting on how well he fitted into the team and demonstrated a great willingness to learn. His formal apprenticeship began this month and will result in Mason gaining an NVQ Level 3 in PCV Engineering through his training at Xplore.   

Helen Sykes, Helm CEO said: “It’s great to add Xplore Dundee to our many business partners, who are all leading in their sectors by growing their own talent, and giving young people all over Dundee a fantastic chance to show what they are really capable of. We wish Mason every success for his future.”