SSE apprentice Bernard Coll once dreamt of turning out for his boyhood heroes Celtic.
While his hopes of a football career with the Scottish champions never quite materialised, Bernard did share a pitch with them recently when he and his East Kilbride FC team mates lost out narrowly to the Glasgow giants in a Scottish Cup tie.
Having once harboured dreams of being a professional footballer, Bernard left school and spent two years studying for a degree in Mechanical and Electrical Systems Engineering at Glasgow Caledonian University. Eventually he decided the academic path was not for him and set about learning a trade instead, joining SSE Enterprise Contracting as an apprentice electrician in August 2015.
The 21-year-old from The Gorbals in Glasgow said: “I think there’s quite a big difference between university and the apprenticeship scheme I’m doing. At university it was mainly focused on the theory and the workload was greater. Also as an individual it was quite hard to interact or get help from the lecturer because there were often 150 or 200 students in a class.
“University also never gave me the opportunity to do practical work so at the start of the apprenticeship scheme this was an area I struggled with, but with practice in college and on site my skills have improved. I think in your first year it is good to get on site as well as going to college. It gives you a chance to practice the skills you’ve learned in college and take them on site and gain a greater understanding of the trade. Also, at college the lecturer is always there to help.”
When it reached decision time for Bernard he discussed his options with friends, some of whom are SSE employees.
He said: “SSE is such a well-known and well respected company. When I left university I felt SSE would be an ideal opportunity to further my education and learn a trade at the same time. After speaking with some friends and SSE employees I also realised there are no limits to how far you can go in the company even if you start as an apprentice.
“I think the apprenticeship scheme is perfect for anyone. It allows you to learn a trade, earn new skills and be part of massive company. The work life balance is good for me and allows me to focus on my football with East Kilbride.
“My apprenticeship has also given me the experience of being away from home for the first time, the opportunity to be more independent, and socialise and get to know other people in the company.”
Photograph of Bernard courtesy of Phil Dye / Sunday Mail