Apprentice of the Year
One of the casualties of the ongoing pandemic was the SECTT Apprentice of the Year 2020. However, we were determined that Scotland’s trainees should still be recognised for the tremendous work they do – so a suitable solution was found that put every nominee in the spotlight
During these extremely challenging times, SECTT has tried to make things as normal as possible for all
apprentices and adult trainees, and that includes the SECTT Apprentice of the Year competition.
In a non-COVID-19 year we would usually hold three regional heats – North, East and West – with the winner from both 1st and 2nd Stage in each heat being invited to the final, which is comprised of an interview with a panel of judges.
This year we received the nominations as usual, yet we were obviously unable to host the heats. However, we didn’t want anyone to miss out, so we decided to award each nominee a certificate and a set of test lamps when we were able to return to college or site.
On these pages you’ll see some of the 39 young people who received recognition, including Jamie Black Wilkins, a 1st Stage Edinburgh College apprentice who came through the Get Into Electrical Installation programme that we partner with the Prince’s Trust.
Among the many tributes I heard was from Frankie Greg, SECTT Training Officer, who presented Stage 2 apprentice Stephen Gibson with his award.
Frankie told me: “I have noticed the work Stephen puts in since I first took over at West College Scotland Paisley.
“Through the comments from his lecturers and what he produced in the workshop, he was pipped at the post last year for first year Apprentice of the Year but this year proved himself further. He is a relatively quiet guy who clearly does the work at home and also a credit to his employer Peter Houston who has a number of very good apprentices.”
From a personal point of view, I’d like to offer huge congratulations to all those who were nominated. Although it’s hard work, I know that everyone was disappointed not to be able to take part in the practical competition.
This year has robbed us of many of the good things we usually do. This competition is a joy and celebration for all those who take part and, although they are a challenge to organise, the benefits are extensive.
This is an opportunity for those taking part to show off their quality work in front of family, friends, employers and college lecturers, and is also a good opportunity for the host colleges to show off their excellent facilities.
Sadly, this was not to be this year, but I sincerely hope that we can resume the competition in 2021. Fingers crossed!
SECTT manages high-quality training on behalf of the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB). To find out more about SECTT and its work call 0131 445 5659, email admin@sectt.org.uk or visit www.sectt.org.uk
WEST OF SCOTLAND
Jordan Calgie
Pulse Electrical, West College Scotland, Paisley Campus [Stage 1]
Stephen Gibson
Peter Houston Electrical, West College Scotland, Paisley Campus [Stage 2]
Konal Lee
H F Electrical Ltd, West College Scotland, Clydebank Campus [Stage 1]
David Baird
K G Installation and Design, West College Scotland, Clydebank Campus [Stage 2]
Callum Reynolds
H F Electrical Ltd, Glasgow Clyde College, Cardonald Campus [Stage 1]
Stuart Aitken
Roth Ltd, Glasgow Clyde College, Cardonald Campus [Stage 2]
Adam Barclay
East Ayrshire Council, Ayrshire College, Ayr Campus [Stage 1]
Kieran Hughes
Booth Welsh Automation Ltd, Ayrshire College, Ayr Campus [Stage 2]
Brandon Scott
Thomson & Dunbar, Dumfries & Galloway [Stage 1]
Corrie Davies
Wilson Electrical Contractor, Dumfries & Galloway [Stage 2]
Declan Paterson
Arthur McKay & Company Ltd, Glasgow Kelvin [Stage 1]
Ryan Martin
PV Electrics Ltd, Glasgow Kelvin [Stage 2]
Andrew Barr
Parker Technical Services, New Lanarkshire College, Motherwell Campus [Stage 1]
Darren Thomson
Arthur McKay & Company Ltd, New Lanarkshire College, Motherwell Campus [Stage 2]
EAST OF SCOTLAND
Robbie Neave
John Noble Electrical Contractors Ltd Borders [Stage 1]
Andrew Palmer Scottish Borders Housing Association, Borders [Stage 2]
Robbie Graham Adam Neilson Ltd, Perth College UHI [Stage 1]
Jack Hutchison Unite Security & Electrical Services, Perth College UHI [Stage 2]
Fraser Gordon Jordan Electrics Ltd, Forth Valley, Falkirk [Stage 1]
Jordan Kennedy T Clarke Scotland Ltd, Forth Valley, Falkirk [Stage 2]
Cameron Wilson Fife Council, Fife College [Stage 1]
Sam Stewart Fife Council, Fife College [Stage 2]
Andrew Morrison Angus Alarms & Security Ltd, Dundee & Angus College [Stage 1]
Jack Archibald Wardah Electrics Ltd, Dundee & Angus College [Stage 2]
Jamie Black Wilkins Boyter Electrical Services, Edinburgh College, Sighthill Campus [Stage 1]
Ruairidh Main AEF Electrical, Edinburgh College, Sighthill Campus [Stage 2]
Matthew White Arthur McKay & Company Ltd, West Lothian College [Stage 1]
Lewis Telfer West Lothian Council, West Lothian College [Stage 2]
NORTH OF SCOTLAND
Andrew Horne
Campbell Electrical Services Ltd, Lews Castle [Stage 1]
John Baxter
Muirton Control and Automation Ltd, North East Scotland College, Fraserburgh Campus [Stage 1]
David Watt
Gateway Control Systems, North East Scotland College, Fraserburgh Campus [Stage 2]
Craig Fairweather
McDonald & Munro Ltd, Moray College UHI [Stage 1]
Connor Fraser-Taylor
Moray Council, Moray College UHI [Stage 2]
Jack Hibbitt
Hosie Electrical, Tullos Training [Stage 1]
Martin Diamond
CFF Property Management Ltd, Tullos Training [Stage 2]
Sean Bermingham
Ross Shire Engineering, Inverness UHI [Stage 1]
Darren Hanlan
Binnie Electrical Ltd, Inverness UHI [Stage 2]
Nicol Harcus
E Fraser (Orkney) Ltd, North Highland College UHI [Stage 1]
Bryden Pottinger
E Fraser (Orkney) Ltd, North Highland College UHI [Stage 2]
By Anne Galbraith
Chief Executive, SECTT
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