Boss Mark Heaney has spoken of his pride at welcoming a third generation into the family-run firm John Heaney (Electrical), with son Aidan joining the ranks.
The 18-year-old has followed in the footsteps of grandfather John and his dad to take up a position in the Livingston-based electrical, mechanical and HVAC firm.
The teenager is the company’s first employee to do a four-year building services apprenticeship and will be working in the Facilities Management division.
“Having worked for my own dad for several years, I never thought the day would come that my own son would follow in my footsteps and work for JHE,” said managing director Mark, who joined the business in 1995 as a 16-year-old before going on to assume the MD role in November 2016.
“When Aidan left school at the end of fifth year he didn’t really know what to do. He eventually spent some time working in the financial services sector but decided that route wasn’t for him.
“We had an opening for an apprentice in the FM division of the company and after he spoke to the department head, he decided it was something he was interested in.
“He’s really enjoying learning the ropes, and working out in the cold, wind, sleet and rain hasn’t put him off!
“It was a proud dad moment when he walked through the door for the first time!
“He’s a grafter and knows there will be no favouritism!
“His granddad is delighted he has joined the company, although I don’t think it’s Aidan’s ambition to take over from me!”
Aidan said: “It’s a big thing for the family and I’m really enjoying the work. I’ve been working on air conditioning and the electrical side of things and will also be involved in gas.
“The team have been great since I joined. The banter is good fun. I’ve heard the chat about being the son of the boss but to be fair there hasn’t been that much and we have a good laugh about it!
“I’m really enjoying being outside on the tools and learning so much. I didn’t expect to go down this path but for me it is so much more enjoyable than a desk job.
“The apprenticeship is something I definitely want to complete and use it to continue working afterwards. ”
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Speaking of his own pride at the latest member of the family to join the company, John added: “It fills me with both pride and disbelief that my grandson Aidan has joined the family business!
“Seeing him join the company and becoming part of a team makes me reflect how far we have come as a business since its inception as a sole trader in 1983.
“Businesses often talk about the continued legacy, however to me it is important that the values that the business was founded on have not been lost over the years.”
