A SCOTTISH energy company has invested in six new apprentices.
Aberdeen-based Sparrows Group has hired young people from the city at its UK headquarters in the city’s Bridge of Don.
The individuals have joined a number of disciplines within the company, including business, technical and workshop roles bringing the company’s total number of apprentices to 27.
Adrian Begbie previously completed a National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering at North East Scotland College (NESCol) and has started as an apprentice machinist, Jack Donald is working as facilities services apprentice and was at Westhill Academy, learning to become a technical coordinator is Jacob Drummond from Bucksburn Academy, apprentice fabricator Josh McDonald went to school at Hazelhead, novice hydraulic technician Lucas Murray attended Oldmachar Academy and Alec-Jon Johnston is apprentice draughtsperson from Fraserburgh Academy. As part of the modern apprentice scheme the trainees will gain practical work experience in addition to studying towards a Higher National Certificate (HNC) and SVQ level three in a chosen discipline. Sparrows works closely with Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and Aberdeen’s NESCol for the work-based training.
Apprentice Jacob Drummond said: “It’s a great opportunity to join a company like Sparrows as an apprentice. The biggest benefit of the programme is I can now work and learn on the job, while still getting industry recognised qualifications.
“The hands-on experience allows me to put the skills I’ve learned in the classroom into practice in a real-life working environment, alongside the experienced team at Sparrows.”
The company also invests in upskilling its existing staff – in the past five years, 64 workers have undertaken apprenticeships.
Stewart Mitchell of Sparrows said: “Sparrows’ commitment to developing the next generation has been vital to the success of our operations for more than 40 years and we understand the long-term benefit they bring not just to our business, but to the wider industry.”
As well as the modern apprenticeships, the business also runs foundation and graduate apprenticeships.
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