An energy giant has powered up the Press and Journal’s Apprentice 100 campaign by offering one lucky youngster the chance to join its payroll.
Scottish and Southern Energy’s (SSE) pledge would be an engineering role based in Scotland and the chosen applicant would join the firm’s apprenticeship programme.
Trainees on the apprenticeship scheme are provided with the opportunity to achieve a Modern Apprentice Qualification.
Upon completion, qualified apprentices will move into the business with an accreditation which allows them to build a successful career in the energy sector.
John Stewart, SSE’s director of human resources, said investing in apprentices and trainees was vital for the future of the energy industry.
He said: “SSE is delighted to support the Press and Journal’s Apprentice 100 campaign.
“I sit on the National Advisory Board of the Developing the Young Workforce taskforce and welcome initiatives like this for increasing employment opportunities for young people.
“We’re backing the talent of tomorrow to the tune of £11.68million this year, investing an average of £80,000 per apprentice.
“This investment is vital – half of the energy sector’s workforce will leave or retire by 2023.”
Katy and Tom Fraser, a sister and brother from Aberfeldy in rural Perthshire, have both taken advantage of SSE’s Modern Apprenticeship scheme.
Katy, a 22-year-old trainee wind turbine technician, credits older brother Tom for encouraging her to consider training with SSE.
She said: “I wanted a career change, a job that would challenge me both physically and mentally.
“My older brother, who works as a craftsman at Clunie Power Station, had completed the SSE apprenticeship programme several years ago and recommended that I looked into it.”
After completing her first year at college, Katy’s second year will be learning the technical climbing and rescue skills needed to properly service turbines.
She added: “It has been an interesting year. At the beginning I thought I would have enjoyed the mechanical side of the course most – however I found the electrical side equally interesting.”
Apply to become an SSE apprentice by e-mailing apprenticesandtrainees@sse.com.