MSP Graham Simpson visited Scottish Power’s Training Centre in Cumbernauld as part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week to hear from staff about the various courses being run at the site and how their apprentices are making a positive contribution to the renewables sector.
He met with Head of Technical Training David Bowie and Head of Government Affairs Phil Henderson to learn about Scottish Power’s apprenticeship programme – of which there are currently 200 people on placement.
The programmes typically run for 3 years and the apprentices spend 6 months on-site in Cumbernauld learning the basics before undertaking their specialist training. The apprentices can then choose to focus on a variety of aspects from initial craft and engineering trainee programmes to advanced electrical protection courses and courses on renewable energy.
Mr Simpson also heard from two of the apprentices at Scottish Power – Charlie Clarke and Ben Findlay. They praised the scheme for allowing them to combine theory with getting hands-on experience. The pair also showed Graham the work they were undertaking on a broken gearbox from a wind turbine and rotor which had been struck by lightning.
Scottish Apprenticeship week, which runs from 7th March to 11th March, was set up to shine a light on the importance of apprentices to Scotland’s employers and economy. There are 43,000 apprentices across Scotland and 12,000 employers involved in the scheme, with this figure set to rise according to Skills Development Scotland.
Apprenticeships, like those run by Scottish Power, are developed in partnership with local and national employers. All the apprentices will leave with transferable skills so even those who do not continue to work in-house can find employment elsewhere in the sector.
Following the visit, Graham is hoping to visit Whitelee Windfarm to see some of Scottish Power’s graduates in action.
Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland said: “It was great to meet some of the apprentices in Cumbernauld. They were all very keen and enthusiastic and were a credit to Scottish Power.
“We need to constant flow of young people learning new skills and that’s what apprenticeships do. They are great route into the world of work. It is not always the case that getting a degree is necessary.
“You really can’t beat the kind of on-the-job experience that an apprenticeship offers”.
Skills Development Scotland Chair and Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board Co-Chair, Frank Mitchell said: “When it comes to supporting sustainable skills through workforce development or providing opportunities for young people, we know that apprenticeships work.
“The combination of a commitment from employers and the backing of Scottish Government will ensure apprenticeships work for everyone, making a significant contribution to Scotland’s recovery and productivity growth.”
