Alasdair’s Modern Apprenticeship nets him renewable role
Muir of Ord’s Alasdair Gillies impressed bosses so much on work experience that he’s now making sure Highland businesses get greener on his Modern Apprenticeship.
Alasdair joined renewable energy systems firm Proterra Energy Ltd in Inverness as part of the Kickstart scheme, mainly helping in the workshop and sometimes traveling to the site to assist engineers with system servicing and installation.
At the end of his six-month placement, bosses asked Alasdair to stay on and, in 2022, offered him a Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering Maintenance.
The 22-year-old, who studied two days a week at Inverness College UHI in his first year, is involved in the installation and servicing of solar systems, wind turbines and hydro schemes, as well as battery storage.
Alasdair said: “Earning and learning at the same time on a Modern Apprenticeship means I can help my parents with living costs. I still live at home so being able to contribute to the household income is important to me.
“I really enjoyed the hands-on aspect of my work experience and felt the Modern Apprenticeship would be a great way to expand my knowledge and build on my practical skills at the same time.
“Achieving net zero is vital for our future and it feels good to be helping clients switch to renewable energy sources.”
Alasdair’s net zero achievements include carrying out maintenance checks on a large solar array for a distillery client on the Isle of Islay, ensuring the system is performing as it should and identifying opportunities to improve the use of the renewably generated electricity.
On a recent large project, Alasdair was involved in most of the installation of batteries and inverter systems, and the commissioning engineer gave him the responsibility of managing the system during its contracted load bank test.
He has been involved in several key projects to boost Proterra’s own net zero targets – replacing all 24 of the workshop’s fluorescent bulbs with LED lighting, installing an electric car charging station and fitting insulation to reduce heat loss. He also refurbished a small wind turbine which the firm now takes to trade shows to show clients how a wind turbine works.
Alasdair carries out work in the northern Highlands, where projects are not straight forward and his managers are impressed that he makes a huge effort to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, in all weathers, in remote locations, without complaint.
Proterra Ltd owner and Operations Director Terry Stebbings said: “Alasdair is a hard worker, a good listener and an excellent team player.
“Apprenticeships are a great way to bring new talent into our company and train them to match our business needs.”
Apprenticeships are made for business, developed with employers to provide skills in demand. They are jobs open to anyone aged 16 and over who wants to work, learn and earn.
Modern Apprentices spend most of their time learning in the workplace while being supported by a learning provider, like a college, to gain an industry recognised qualification.
Alasdair has also volunteered his own time to help colleagues install their own solar storage systems and is on track to qualify soon.
His efforts have led to him being a finalist in the Supporting Net Zero Apprentice of the Year category at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards.
Inverness College UHI Assessor/Trainer (Engineering Technology) Mark Bryson said: “Alasdair is a hard-working and driven apprentice with a keen eye for detail.
“He consistently produced work to a high standard setting an excellent example to future apprentices.”
The winner of the Supporting Net Zero Apprentice of the Year category will be revealed at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, which takes place 27 February in the run up to Scottish Apprenticeship Week (3 to 7 March).
Find out more about the award finalists and the event by visiting apprenticeships.scot.