It’s a long way from Alan Sugar’s TV boardroom, but Scotland has a new Young Apprentice.
Jamie Gray, 22, an aeronautical engineer from Ayrshire, took the Outstanding Achievement award presented by Skills Development Scotland at a ceremony which marked 10 years of celebrating the best of the country’s Modern Apprenticeship scheme.
The event, sponsored by HP, showcased the achievements of employers, apprentices and organisations who have demonstrated initiative, enterprise and outstanding commitment to developing Scotland’s skills and economy at a time when youth unemployment provides some deeply depressing headlines.
Jamie, who previously worked as a hospital catering assistant, is now a quality engineer for Spirit AeroSystems at their Prestwick plant, and is deeply ambitious.
He said: "I was always interested in engineering and applied for an apprenticeship with Spirit AeroSystems but didn't think I had a chance. I was so pleased when I got the job. I was amazed when I heard my name being called out at the awards night. I was a quiet boy from a quiet village but was pushed to go for my dream job and I got the job and realised my dream. I would say to anyone to go for what they want, especially if it is an apprenticeship, to go for it and give it 110%."
The former Grange Academy pupil sees his Modern Apprenticeship as an ideal mix of learning and hands-on experience. Since he qualified, he has continued to complete work-related training programmes and plans to study for a Higher National Diploma in Quality Management.
His manager, John Kelly, said: "Jamie had no engineering experience prior to starting his apprenticeship and during the first two years of the programme he focused on increasing his basic engineering skills. In the latter two years he was trusted to carry out tasks on key projects that focused on new technology and work packages which were new to our organisation.
"Jamie is a young man who displays maturity beyond his years. He has a well-judged confidence and consistently performs to a high level. During his apprenticeship Jamie fully committed himself to the programme and as a result he has developed into a very capable, popular and ambitious engineer as well as a great ambassador for the Modern Apprenticeship programme." To prove that the Modern Apprenticeship scheme has a long-lasting effect, the first overall award winner was on hand to pass the coveted trophy to Jamie. Billy Boyter has just been appointed head chef at number one at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, and can see a point where he opens his restaurant.
Reflecting on his success a decade ago, Billy said: "I felt that winning the first ever Modern Apprenticeship Award was really the beginning of things for me. It gave me the confidence in the kitchen and to move on in my career. I never imagined when I started in the industry that I would be where I am now and I think that is something most of the apprentices who have been at the awards over the years would say. It is a great start."
Skills Development Scotland's chief executive Damien Yeates said: "The commitment shown to the Modern Apprenticeships programme by employers like Spirit AeroSystems reflects their belief in the benefits to their business, individuals and, ultimately, Scotland's economy. Jamie is a terrific example of someone using Modern Apprenticeship skills to lay a first class foundation for themselves, their employer and both their futures."
Speaking at the awards ceremony at Glasgow Science Centre, Youth Employment Minister Angela Constance said: "In my new role I will be taking forward the Scottish Government's commitment that every 16-19 gets a place in college or training through Opportunities for All.
"It is absolutely vital that not a single young person is left behind or a single shred of potential wasted. The winners are a fine example of what can be done by employers with assistance from Skills Development Scotland, and we are committed to delivering a record 25,000 Modern Apprenticeship opportunities in each year of this parliament."
HP vice-president Steve Murphy added: "We were delighted to be the main sponsors at this year's awards. We have brought hundreds of technology jobs to our Erskine site, have vacancies for more and will be expanding our workforce there over the coming years. This will include a number of opportunities for graduates, interns and Modern Apprenticeships because we believe it is critical that Scotland equips all of its young people with business and technology skills which are essential to compete effectively in the global information economy. As someone born and brought up in Scotland, this is particularly close to my heart."
List of winners
Outstanding Achievement: Jamie Gray, Kilmarnock
Construction and Production Apprentice of the Year: David Crawford, Dumbarton
Service Apprentice of the Year: Charmaine Hogg, Falkirk
Adult Apprentice of the Year: Elaine Hislop, Dumbarton
Small Employer (less than 50 employees): Ingenza, Midlothian
Medium ( between 50-249): Stewart McNee, Dunoon
Large: BAE Systems Surface Ships, Glasgow
Partnership: Barony College/CLAAS UK
Best Business Newcomer: First Scotrail
Employers who are interested in recruiting an apprentice should call 0800 783 6000 or visit Skills Development Scotland
