A young Aberdeenshire man has been named Tullos Training Apprentice of the Year for 2014, after his first year of training with a major oil services company.
Ryan Fernando won the award for Best Electrical/ Electronics Apprentice as well as taking home the top prize for Apprentice of the Year 2014. The 19-year-old became an electronics apprentice with Aker Solutions in August last year. Ryan said he has been very active from the start of his apprenticeship.
He said: “From the beginning of my apprenticeship the work has been very hands-on, but a major element to earning my qualifications comes from studying full-time at college.”
The young apprentices at Aker Solutions are working toward an HNC and SVQ level 2 in their subjects, but after receiving those qualifications they have the option to go on to do an HND or pursue an engineering degree at university. Ryan added he’s keen to go even further with his training: “I know some of the older apprentices who have gone onto university as part of their training, and Aker Solutions have really supported them, so that’s something I’m seriously considering for myself.”
One of Ryan’s fellow apprentices, Robbie Smith, who was the runner-up Best Mechanical Apprentice also has long-term ambitions to stay with Aker Solutions, once he has completed training. The 18-year-old said they were shocked by the awards wins this year.
He said: “It’s great to be recognised for our efforts. It surprised us to be considered because we’ve been working so hard, keeping our heads down and working away. The Aker Solutions apprentices are really thrown in at the deep end and learn a lot of new skills all the time so we hadn’t really thought about awards.”
The apprentice scheme has been highly competitive in recent years with over 450 applicants last year for just 13 positions. Angus Brechin, VP of HR at Aker Solutions said they have seen a growing interest in the apprenticeships.
“Over the past few years we’ve seen more young people showing an interest in learning practical skills alongside getting their qualifications,” he said.
“For many students an apprenticeship can offer them the strongest start into the oil and gas industry.”