From Labourer to Joiner: Rhys fits the bill for CLTK

It’s easy to talk about quality workmanship and building careers — but at CLTK, we actually live it. And sometimes, all it takes is a chance conversation on site to change someone’s future.

That’s exactly what happened five years ago when Managing Director Lee Verdorn spotted a young labourer on a housing scheme. A brief chat revealed that his real passion was in joinery — not labouring — and that was all Lee needed to hear.

Fast forward to today, and Rhys Dumbarton, once sweeping out plots, is now an accomplished joiner, delivering high-spec finishes for CLTK across our housing developments.

“I could see the potential in him straight away,” says Lee. “He had the attitude, he wanted to learn, and he wasn’t afraid of graft. We put him through an apprenticeship at Hugh Baird College in Bootle, and he’s grabbed every opportunity since. He’s one of ours now — fully qualified and cracking on with his own plots.”

From college to carpentry, Rhys has mastered his trade — and now works across second fix joinery on site, handling internal fittings like doors, skirting boards, and stairs with speed and precision.

“I’m pretty much self-sufficient now,” Dunby says. “I get a list of what needs doing, I crack on with it, and once it’s done, I move on to the next. That’s the job. I love it.”

He speaks highly of the support from Lee and the team:

“Lee’s hands-on, proper sound. You’ll see him on site just getting stuck in, asking how you’re doing — it makes a difference. He’s a good guy to work for.”

Rhys’ story is a perfect example of what CLTK is all about: spotting potential, backing people, and building careers as well as homes.

“We’ve always said we’re building more than just buildings,” says Lee. “We’re building people up too.”