Daniel joined W M Donald on 22 August 2022, stepping onto site at just 17 years old. Most teenagers are still figuring out what comes next; Daniel was already pulling on his boots and getting stuck into life on the ground.
His very first challenge? Working under his dad, Martin Knowles, a highly respected Foreman and Ganger with famously high standards. It’s the kind of pairing that could make or break a young apprentice, but Daniel took it in his stride. Instead of shying away, he leaned in, listened hard, and learned fast.
By September 2023, he was at NESCol, Altens, he’s thriving both in the classroom and on site.
In just two years, Daniel has grown from a shy school leaver into someone you can rely on for pretty much anything. When Martin’s off, Daniel steps up, tasking the crew, keeping the site running smoothly, and maintaining standards without missing a beat.
He’s also racked up an impressive list of qualifications already, including Confined Space Training, Vehicle Marshalling, NRSWA, EUSR Categories 3-5, Banksman Slinger, First Aid and Mental Health First Aid.
Daniel has had a front-row seat to some of W M Donald’s busiest sites: Elsick, Milltimber, Eco Village, and Maidencraig. Each one has thrown something new his way, and he’s taken it all on with that same calm, can-do attitude. He’s now confidently laying main line sewers, working safely alongside machinery, and becoming the kind of young operative who helps set the tone for the team.Contracts Manager Gavin Thom has watched Daniel come into his own:
“Since Daniel has started his apprenticeship at W M Donald, he has excelled with picking the job up quite quickly. Daniel is one of the most compliant within our sewer squads and shows great promise for the future. It’s great to see the younger generation taking interest, especially in sewers, as it seems to be one of the trades fading within our industry. Daniel is now laying main line sewers on his own and is more than capable to work alongside a machine safely when his father isn’t around. His workmanship is just as tidy as some of our long-term sewer guys and credit goes to his father for teaching him correctly.”
Contracts Manager Graham Bias adds:
“Daniel has been working on my sites with his father. He’s an aspirational young lad with a smile no matter the weather. Taking control of a machine and undertaking tasks as a competent young ground worker when his father is on other tasks. Daniel has inspired me with the will and the knowledge he has picked up in such a short time in the industry. A true inspiration.”
Away from the job, Daniel’s your typical football-daft young loon, playing in the Saturday League, battling it out on his consoles, heading out with friends, and spending time with his girlfriend. He brings that same grounded, good-natured energy to work every day.
From nervous first-day apprentice to a confident, skilled, and respected member of the team, Daniel Knowles is exactly the kind of young talent our industry needs. His foundation is solid, his future is bright, and the team at W M Donald couldn’t be prouder.
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This article featured in our latest Winter edition of our company magazine From The Ground Up. You can view the magazine by following the link below:
