Apprentice Ryan fuels mission to net zero for aviation firm
A young Ayrshire apprentice’s passion to help create a greener planet has seen him become a net zero champion across his business and make changes in society.
Ryan Matthews, 24, started his Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship with GE Aviation Caledonian in Prestwick in August 2018. From the start he made it his mission to do things in a better way to tackle climate change.
Determined to change behaviours
Through his belief and determination he has changed colleagues' attitudes and behaviour, won a competition to support tackling climate change, taken part in COP26 and impressed senior company executives.
Ryan said: “I’m a lot more hands-on while learning so the apprenticeship route suited me. My apprenticeship gives me a great opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced people in their industry while going to college for further education. It’s the best of both worlds.”
On his net zero achievements, Ryan won the Fuel Change Challenge, a nationwide low carbon innovation challenge for apprentices that aims to look at innovative ways their employers could reduce energy waste.
On his net zero achievements, Ryan won the Fuel Change Challenge, a nationwide low carbon innovation challenge for apprentices that aims to look at innovative ways their employers could reduce energy waste.
Innovative solutions to fuel change
Ryan said: “I took part in the first ever Fuel Change Challenge competition, where we finished joint first.
“After visiting the Great Barrier Reef in early 2020, I was absolutely shocked by the coral bleaching and the impact global warming has had on the environment. I have kept fish and crustaceans for around 10 years, growing all my own plants too, and to see the devastating effect in what is such a beautiful location was horrific.
“It's a subject very close to my heart, which led to the idea I had for my Fuel Change project, which was coral restringing and seaweed farms.
“Since the project has ended, I have been in touch with specialists and we've located an area 5km off the coast of Prestwick that is suitable for a seaweed farm. This would be very exciting as this could hopefully also act as a renewable fuel source to benefit GE Caledonian.”
Passionate about making change
GE Caledonian Apprentice Co-ordinator Aidan McIntyre said: “As an apprentice, Ryan has brought a fresh set of eyes. He brings a new mindset on how to tackle some of the net zero ambitions whilst actively challenging the norms with substantial alternatives.”
Aidan added: “Ryan is incredibly passionate about a greener planet and values having his voice heard in a company that can make a difference. He has presented to one of our American executives to highlight areas of improvement and she was blown away by his energy. This motivated Ryan to make more changes and to continue helping the business drive towards its net zero ambitions.”
Inspiring the next generation
Among Ryan's many other notable achievements when it comes to battling climate change is to take part in net zero podcasts to educate and inspire the younger generation. He also featured on the fuel change panel for COP 26, called “Workforce of the Future: Driving a Just Transition”. Ryan was also a panellist at a Skills Development Scotland Green Skills Event with The Scotsman.
Ryan said: “As an apprentice, one of the things I have gained is a voice. Being quite passionate about a greener planet and having a voice in a company that can make a difference is massively important. I am very well supported by my direct boss and other leaders. This motivates me to make more changes and to continue helping the business drive towards its net zero ambitions.”
Net zero champion
Aidan said: “A lot of Ryan’s colleagues don't have the same enthusiasm for net zero ambitions as Ryan. We have a designated plastic bin in Ryan’s current section of the facility, which was rarely used. But now, after a lot of positive ‘nagging’ as Ryan calls it, all the plastic is recycled appropriately. Everyone in Ryan’s current section now uses reusable coffee cups, unlike before they all just used the disposable ones.
“Ryan has really become a net zero champion in our business and beyond and what he has achieved so far is only the tip of the iceberg.”
Ryan’s efforts have led to more recognition, as he won the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards Supporting Net Zero category, sponsored by Ocean Winds, alongside colleague Viktoryia Parkhamovich.
Ryan concluded: “It's an amazing opportunity...It's nice to be recognised for the work you are doing.”
Scottish Apprenticeship Awards
View the full list of Scottish Apprenticeship Award winners here.