News

An award-winning Midlothian Group firm has scored an absolute winner with the signing of a talented young footballer as an apprentice – and he is reaching goals that he had never previously dreamed of.

Eighteen-year-old Bradley Barrett signed up with Loanhead-based MPACT Group straight from school to take on the tough and comprehensive apprentice training necessary to be a time-served carpenter and joiner.

Now halfway through his second year of training, Bradley, from Bonnyrigg, is also making time to star as a striker with Tranent Juniors FC, which plays in the East of Scotland League (Conference B), having moved from the Junior leagues last year.

The classy upfront player, who was signed from Berwick Rangers Under-20s, has scored 12 goals this season, much to the delight of MPACT Managing Director Matthew Wright, who is a committee member at the club.

He said: “Bradley is an excellent player as his goal-scoring record shows. This is his first season in the East of Scotland League, though he has played at pro-youth level for top-class teams such as Hibs, Rangers and Hearts.

“However, he is also closely focused on his training as a joiner and he is displaying the same skill, determination and commitment in his apprenticeship as he continues to do on the field.”

Bradley said: “Football is a huge part of my life, but I am equally focused on building a career outside of the game and MPACT has given me really positive support and encouragement throughout my apprenticeship.

“It is a great company and I am working with some really skilled and professional trades people. Just as in playing for Tranent, being part of a good team is the most important and satisfying thing.”

MPACT employs 65 people including electricians, plumbers, carpenters and joiners. It has five employees who went through their apprenticeships with the firm and it currently supports 11 apprentices, including three pre-apprentices.

Connie Meylan, Operations Support Manager at MPACT, said: “Bradley has been a real acquisition to the M-Pact team and we are delighted to give him all the backing he needs to reach both his sporting and professional goals.”