Coleraine-based entrepreneur Colin McKendry of McKendry Fabrications has paid tribute to his Polish employees who have brought traditional skills base experience to his workforce.

And he called for a revitalisation of time-served apprenticeships in the engineering industry to respond to the growth that will come in the future.

“I’m one who tries to talk the economy up instead of all the doom and gloom we’re hearing at the moment,” he said.

“The old positive attitude of a cup being half full instead of half empty is what it’s all about as we need more ‘can-do’ approaches to work”.

Mr McKendry (44) formed his business as a Polish sole trader eight years ago.

“I now employ 43 people, including myself — when just eight years ago there was only me”.

The company is currently advertising for more staff, and is keen to recruit time-served welders/fabricators with site experience and a driving licence.

The company makes items in stainless steel and aluminium, such as pipework, gates, staircases, guard rails, and does a lot of work for Michelin and the Kerry Group.

McKendry Fabrications has just taken on projects for Bushmills Distillery and IVEX in Larne, as well as recently completing fabrication work at Stranraer Academy school.

Paying tribute to all his workforce, he said it was often difficult to find fitters and welders who are experienced, time-served tradesmen.

“Polish immigrants are very good because of the traditional training that still exists in that country, and I have two Polish foremen,” he said.

“I invest a lot in their training and even help them get on language courses, as well as assisting with their housing and I have helped with bringing their wives over.

“I help them get accommodation and to integrate into the community.”

He said Employment Minister Sir Reg Empey had called for more local skills in the engineering industry and highlighted the need for traditionally-based training.

“The true test is specialist welding and fabrication.

“Very often, even on paper, people who have completed training appear fully qualified, but they lack the skills that come with actually doing the job.

“By comparison you know from someone’s skills, in welding and in fabrication, how they handle their equipment and the confidence and abilities that they show and that they know what they are doing.”

Mr McKendry said: “I pay tribute to all my workforce but there’s no doubt the Polish people I employee have helped me considerably”.

Among contracts recently won by the company are deals with AVX, Old Bushmills Distillery, Newtownabbey Borough Council and a landmark project at a roundabout at Shore Road, Whiteabbey.