08 Feb 2024
In National Apprenticeship Week, some of ScottishPower's apprentices have shared their thoughts and stories:
I have enjoyed the variety of work that I’ve got to see through my apprenticeship, I get to learn something new every day and I am supported by experienced people who are always willing to help me out and help me develop my skills. I have gained a lot of experience through my apprenticeship and feel ready to take this into my future career.
Roein McConnell, Craft Apprentice – Fitter (Merseyside)
Since starting my apprenticeship with Scottish Power Energy Networks as a Trainee Overhead Linesman, I have had the opportunities to learn a vast majority of skills. Between working on site, advancing my skills at the training centre and gaining knowledge about the ways in which electricity is distributed to our customers, I am never left wondering what I will learn next.
Greg McIntosh, Craft Apprentice – Overhead Linesperson (Glasgow)
I joined SP Energy networks as an adult craft trainee jointer back in April 2022. I can honestly say I enjoy every minute of it. Every day I get to learn something new backed up with training courses and the knowledge of my colleagues who are always willing to help and pass on their knowledge. The things I like most about the role is everyday it is something different, you can go from one job with one customer off supply to another job and have in excess of 50 customers off supply. You get a great sense of satisfaction knowing the knowledge and experienced you have gained goes towards completing a successful job and restoring electricity to the customer. I have gained a lot of knowledge and experience throughout my short time here but feel ready to take the next step as a fully qualified cable jointer and look forward to many years at SP Energy networks.
Ryan Irwin, Adult Craft Trainee – Jointer (Merseyside)
Over the past year as a Quantity Surveying Apprentice, I have gained significant commercial exposure, inclusive of active participation in detailed discussions and negotiations. On a day-to-day basis, I engage with numerous tasks involved within the Quantity Surveying profession. As a result of valuable training from experienced individuals, my experience and confidence in my line of work has greatened, resulting in me being able to gain more independent responsibilities. Through the correct guidance and continued support in my department and the day-release programme in University, I feel confident that I am working on the correct trajectory to fully fulfilling a role in my chosen profession, as well as graduating University with the Graduate Apprenticeship in Bsc (Hons) Construction and the Built Environment (Quantity Surveying) Degree.
Reis Webster, Graduate Apprentice – Quantity Surveying
My Graduate Apprenticeship in Business Management has given me the opportunity to study at Strathclyde University whilst working full-time within the Workforce Renewals Team in SP Energy Networks. My role within the business is to support the trainee population, whilst also working on projects that are aligned to my university modules and access a wealth of knowledge and learning from shared experience. This helps me put my learnings directly into the workplace. At the end of my programme, I will achieve an honours degree and will have four years worth of experience in the business and people management.
Aimee Dickson, Graduate Apprentice – Business Management
I have thoroughly enjoyed my fitting apprenticeship both out in district and in the training centre. During my time as an apprentice I have been involved in a wide range of different jobs where my tradesmen offer a lot of support towards growing my knowledge and experience. My favourite part about my job is that no two days are the same and I enjoy the problem solving that comes with them. I’m really looking forward to utilising my knowledge and skills in the future.
Alice Fairbairn, Craft Apprentice – Fitter
My apprenticeship programme has allowed me to grow in confidence and develop valuable skills that I can use throughout my career, while contributing on our journey to a sustainable future and achieving Net Zero emissions
Hannah Wyllie, Project Management Apprentice – Licence Programmes
As a higher skills apprentice I get the opportunity to work in a variety of areas of the company with a number of well experienced staff to help me become a well-rounded engineer. My training scheme affords me the chance to work with multiple crafts and engineers in the field as well as office placements that allow me to take part in the progression of and lead projects from their design phase to completion. Every day offers new experiences, challenges, and opportunities to develop and progress down my chosen career path with options to specialise in different areas along the way.
Stephen Heaton, Power Engineering Apprentice
I chose an apprenticeship with SPR as ScottishPower are a company that align with my own personal values and I felt like they were the best option for me to begin my career in renewables. So far in my first year I have noticed the over all positive attitude to work within Scottish Power which has made the transition into my new role really enjoyable for me. I have been developing a greater understanding of the generation, transmission and distribution of power in our networks whilst developing my practical skills at college and in ScottishPower’s training centre. I am looking forward to getting out on the field soon to be part of the operation and maintenance of our turbines and I’m excited about the future prospects for myself within the business.
Craig Forrow, 1st year Operation and Maintenance apprentice
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