Apprenticeships powering the future at Wood
Scottish Apprenticeships have reduced costs and improved productivity at global energy and materials firm Wood.
Employing apprentices has delivered significant measurable business benefits for the Aberdeen firm, including a steady flow of homegrown professionals, which has reduced recruitment costs, with employees trained to meet specific operational needs.
Apprenticeships have also created a culture of continuous learning and development at Wood, leading to improved productivity and higher staff retention.
Apprentices play a vital role in Wood’s energy transition projects, gaining hands-on experience in hydrogen production, offshore wind and other renewable initiatives. Apprentice training also incorporates environmentally friendly practices, directly supporting Wood’s sustainability strategy and net zero goals.
Gayle Mowat, Senior People Development Adviser at Wood, said: “Apprentices are the next generation of leaders who will drive our business forward, ensuring we remain at the forefront of both traditional and renewable energy sectors.”
Wood, which specialises in consulting, engineering, project delivery and asset management for energy producers, employs 35,000 people in over 60 countries.
Since becoming an apprentice employer in 2015, Wood has hired over 70 apprentices through APTUS (formerly the Oil and Gas Technical Apprenticeship Programme) in collaboration with Forth Valley College. The partnership boasts a 98% completion and retention rate.
Elaine MacRae, Senior People Development Adviser at Wood, said: “Apprenticeships address challenges like an ageing workforce and bring fresh talent to improve business practices. Many apprentices advance to senior roles and mentor the next generation.”
Encouraging young people, especially women, into STEM and energy is a priority for Wood.
Elaine explained: “Our outreach initiatives engage with under-represented groups to showcase career pathways into the industry. We find it’s crucial to start early, at primary school, to challenge gender stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated fields like engineering.
“In 2024, we participated in 27 school events across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, with 39 volunteers from Wood engaging with approximately 5,400 pupils. These events have been incredibly successful and rewarding, allowing us to connect with young people of all ages. Following this we have created an employability skills partnership with a local secondary school (Lochside Academy) supporting the pupils into the world of work.
“As a result, we’ve welcomed five Foundation Apprentices, two summer placements and four work experience pupils.”
Wood promotes a coaching culture, with tools such as online learning academies, a mentorship app and the My Path platform, a one-stop shop for early career development.
Apprentices can join a group to develop project management skills and Wood has designed a programme in partnership with The Outward Bound Trust where apprentices and graduates spend five days on activities like raft building, a night-time expedition and bridge jumping, with reflective sessions and a final presentation.
One Wood graduate said: “I felt a tremendous sense of achievement and resilience. It not only helped me develop core skills that I can transfer into the workplace, but I also made memories for life.”
Over 12,000 employers support Scottish Apprenticeships, which are work-based learning opportunities or jobs with industry-recognised qualifications.
Scottish Apprenticeships are made for business, developed with employers to ensure they are demand-led and responsive to workforce skills needs.
Wood is a finalist in the Large Employer of the Year category sponosred by SQA at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards.
Gayle said: “We are deeply honoured to be nominated by Forth Valley College. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, as well as the invaluable collaboration and engagement we have enjoyed with the college.
“We are proud of the positive impact this collaboration has had on our apprentices at Wood.”
Kenny MacInnes, Forth Valley College Principal and Chief Executive, said: “These awards showcase examples of best practice across the Scottish skills and industry sector. For one of our partner employers to be in contention for a top award is great recognition of the work we all do.”
The winner of the Large Employer of the Year category sponsored by SQA will be revealed at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, which takes place on 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/awards.