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Trades School invigorates Veterans

SVR residents recently paid a hugely valuable visit to the Trades Training School in Edinburgh.

A group of Veterans were invited to the facility in the city’s Peffermill Industrial Estate by former Royal Marine, Antony O’Neil, and his wife, Gillian.

The company was founded in 2007 and provides expert taught trades training courses to beginners and professionals alike. It is a SQA and City & Guilds approved centre providing nationally recognised qualifications in plumbing, plastering and tiling. Antony, who has over 25 years experience of tiling and property development, also provides students with the skills and support needed to launch and run their own business.

With both a trades and military background, he has first-hand experience of transitioning between careers and is just passionate about helping others develop theirs.

Our residents got their hands dirty in the plastering area and also took on plumbing and tiling challenges. They were originally booked in for a three hour slot but were having such a good time they had to cancel the transport home after extending their visit!

SVR activities co-ordinator, James Moncur, said: “The visit ticked so many boxes for the residents. Not only was it a lot of fun but they learned a lot about the different trades on offer and whether they were any good at them.

“Antony and Gillian provide top quality training and combined with their military experience they really know how to speak with and deal with our veterans.

“We now have at least three veterans who want to pursue further training with the school after the visit and can’t thank Antony and Gillian enough for providing the opportunity for SVR residents.”