Two SSE trainees were awarded the coveted class prize for their year group in a ceremony at Glasgow City Chambers.
Morna Grant, 22, from Stirling and Jack Hamilton, 20, from Edinburgh have been taking part in the SSE Apprenticeship Scheme which combines on the job experience with academic studies at Glasgow Kelvin College.
The awards, presented last week, recognise apprentices who have demonstrated exceptional levels of perseverance and diligence towards their studies, and whose achievements will serve as an inspiration to other and future learners.
Both Morna and Jack are currently working on site at a major new student accommodation project in the west end of Glasgow and are two of SSE’s 24 new recruits in this year’s Scotland intake.
Morna, who has just achieved her first year in SVQ Level 3 Plumbing, said: “I’m really proud to win this award, especially on National Women in Engineering Day. I applied for an apprenticeship with SSE because I knew they promoted diversity across their business and had a good reputation for the training offered. Coming into such a male dominated sector was daunting at first, but everyone at SSE and the College has been so supportive and I hope I can be an example to other young women considering working in this sector.”
Jack Hamilton, who is training for a SVQ in Heating and Ventilating Install, said: “My first year has gone by so quickly but winning this award was a brilliant way to end it. The support I’ve had from SSE and the college has been great and I’m looking forward to developing my skills further and hopefully staying on with SSE at the end of my apprenticeship.”
Tony Stirling, Apprentice Development Coordinator at SSE added: “This is an outstanding achievement for Morna and Jack and very well deserved. As new trainees they have shown great commitment and enthusiasm throughout the year and are a credit to both SSE and Glasgow Kelvin College. It’s no secret that the energy sector is facing a huge skills shortage with half of the current workforce expected to leave or retire by 2023. At least 200,000 new recruits will be needed to fill the gap - Morna and Jack are shining examples of the opportunities that are available for young people looking for a rewarding career in this industry.”
SSE’s Apprenticeship Scheme launched in 2007 and has supported over 1,000 trainees to date. Recruits are put through foundation degrees as well as given work experience across the business. Graduates then join a two year rotational programme to develop their skills and experience and become professional engineers. On completing their training, 95% of apprentices continue their career with SSE.