Scottish Apprenticeship Awards

Fraser Bruce is launching a successful career through a Graduate Apprenticeship – and he recently developed technology with potential to save lives.

The 28-year-old engineer created a product to automatically calculate the escape time in a distressed submarine.

And Fraser’s prototype was so successful that he was listed as an inventor on the patent filing. He said, ‘I was extremely proud to be named as an inventor when the patent was filed – it’s something engineers dream of.’

Aberdeenshire-based Fraser graduated with a First-Class Honours. He now aspires to progress into a senior electrical project engineer role within JFD Ltd.

Glasgow’s Alasdair McMonagle is steering himself towards a bright future after battling a serious neurological illness in his teens.

The Graduate Apprentice experienced a brain injury that resulted in repeated hospital stays between the ages of 14 and 16. Alasdair’s self-belief took a knock as he missed vital years of education.

While in hospital, Alasdair could see BAE ships at Scotstoun. In S6, he learned about apprenticeships through his Skills Development Scotland careers adviser.

Now an Engineering: Design and Manufacture Graduate Apprentice at BAE, Alasdair led a team as they created a new compartment plan approval process.

The 23-year-old, who hopes to progress into a senior role this year, said, ‘I have confidence in myself now and want to reach the top.’

Hannah Magill helped young people find their voice during her Social Services: Children and Young People Foundation Apprenticeship.

The 18-year-old supervised a group of Primary 1 and 2 pupils, some of whom had additional support needs (ASN). Hannah also supported a non-verbal child as she learned how to say her name.

Portlethen-based Hannah shared her passion for music with the children, teaching them about orchestral instruments and theory. She also taught the Fishermoss Primary School pupils the sign language for Silent Night, to ensure all pupils could perform in the school nativity.

Hannah’s Foundation Apprenticeship helped her secure a place on a Primary Teaching course at the University of Dundee. She said, ‘I went from being shy and timid to teaching a whole class.’

Sam Anderson dug deep during her Modern Apprenticeship at Muiravonside Country Park, helping to educate thousands of people.

The 23-year-old had drifted between jobs but was determined to find a role she’d love. A Rural Skills Modern Apprenticeship allowed Sam to grow her career from the ground up.

Sam initially shadowed an experienced ranger. But within a few months, she was confidently delivering educational sessions and activities – her work has benefitted at least 2,550 children and 1,880 adults.

Grangemouth-based Sam has completed her Modern Apprenticeship. She continues to work at the park while studying for an HNC in Wildlife and Conservation Management.

Sam said, ‘The Modern Apprenticeship is the best job I’ve ever had.’

Alice Fairbairn is going down a storm at SP Energy Networks (SPEN). The Skills for Craft Businesses Modern Apprentice is powering the future while encouraging other women into the sector.

Borders-based Alice is a highly skilled fitter. Her electrical work has boosted customer satisfaction and reduced downtime through faster fault resolution.

And when Storm Eowyn battered Scotland in early 2025, Alice impressed her bosses with her commitment to their customers. The 25-year-old volunteered to work through tough conditions to restore power within communities.

Alice, who covers Edinburgh and the Borders, mentors fellow apprentices and represents SPEN at school careers events.

The apprentice said, ‘My apprenticeship has given me so much independence. It’s one of the best opportunities you can receive in life.’

Fraser Bruce is engineering a bright future at underwater capability firm JFD Ltd.

Having previously completed a Modern Apprenticeship with Michelin Tyres, Fraser persuaded his new employer to support him through a Graduate Apprenticeship in Engineering: Design and Manufacture.

Since then, Fraser has led the delivery of more than £2.2 million of commercial diving and defence products. While the Graduate Apprenticeship has reaped financial rewards for JFD Ltd, it’s also allowed Fraser to progress into a more advanced role.

Fraser is now an integral part of the company’s engineering team. The Inverbervie-based engineer trains other team members and is seen by colleagues as an expert in his field.

A Graduate Apprenticeship lit up a new career for solar panel designer Kiera Wright.

The 23-year-old started in a technical administration role with aes renewables. Keen to work in sustainability – an area she’s passionate about – Kiera upskilled through an Engineering: Instrumentation, Measurement and Control Graduate Apprenticeship.

As the company’s first female engineer, Kiera has designed solar PV systems for major landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle.

Buckie-based Kiera progressed to lead a department, represent aes renewables at green energy conferences and become the company’s STEM champion. She also featured in a documentary called ‘Moray Firth: Climate Change’.

Kiera said, ‘Delivering net zero is vital for the future – we can’t rely on fossil fuels for much longer.’

Apprentices are helping Procast Group build a low-carbon future for Scotland.

As many experienced tradespeople approached retirement, Procast recognised the need to act. Keen to avoid a potential skills shortage, the company decided to grow its own talent through apprenticeships.

Procast’s Support Services Director Kirstie Adams believes apprentices drive innovation in sustainable construction. She said, ‘By training the next generation in low-carbon construction methods, we're future-proofing our business and the industry's capacity to deliver the green transition.’

Hamilton-based Procast currently has 10 Modern Apprentices working across a range of frameworks. Many former apprentices now hold senior positions within the firm and it plans to double its intake over the next three years.

SP Energy Networks (SPEN) is using apprenticeships to power Scotland’s journey towards net zero.

An apprenticeship pipeline allows SPEN to address skills gaps and improve staff retention while upgrading the electricity grid to help the nation move away from fossil fuels.

Jen Davies, Head of Workforce Renewals at SPEN, said, ‘Our apprentices don’t just train for a job – they build careers and shape the energy transition.’

SPEN has supported apprenticeships since the late 1950s. The company currently has 267 Modern and Graduate Apprentices who work across many different frameworks.

Every apprentice at SPEN is equipped with a bespoke development plan and development lead for guidance, wellbeing and mentoring. This has resulted in a 96% apprenticeship completion rate.

Xtra-Mile.com is serving up the perfect recipe to support apprentices across Scotland’s hospitality sector.

Since 2016, Xtra-Mile.com has worked with more than 670 Modern Apprentices. The Edinburgh-based learning provider prides itself on creating industry leaders.

Managing Director Anneliese Archibald said, ‘Apprentices are vital to Scotland. We need to address skills gaps and we’ll do anything we can to support the hospitality industry.’

Xtra-Mile.com collaborates with restaurants, cafes, care homes, leisure parks and global luxury brands. In 2019, the provider launched its Junior Hotelier apprenticeship programme which allows young people to experience roles in every area of large hotels.

In response to employer demand, Xtra-Mile.com recently introduced a management apprenticeship for those working in sales, marketing and maintenance roles.