Commitment to the job
Fiona Harper, centre, Gary Mason, left and Bernard MacAulay
Every year the achievements of the best young electrical apprentices are recognised at the SELECT Industry Awards. This 10th anniversary year is no exception and the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) is delighted to announce three worthy contenders for the SJIB/Edmundson Apprentice of theYear 2015
Threetalented young electricians will vie for top spot at the annual SJIB/Edmundson Apprentice of the Year competition next month.
The candidates have been picked from the very best entrants across Scotland, and go forward to be honoured with their families at the 10th anniversary SELECT Industry Awards, at the Radisson Blu hotel in Glasgow on Friday, October 9.
After a nationwide search to find the best and brightest apprentices, we are delighted to announce that the 2015 Finalists are:
James Wotherspoon – West Region, employed by EM Mackenzie
Josh Graham – West Region, employed by Balfour Beatty Engineering Services Ltd
Ryan McShane – East Region, employed by Arthur Mckay & Co Ltd
Each candidate worked extremely hard to make it through to the final stage of the competition, and thoroughly deserve to be nominated. From 650 FICAs (Final Integrated Competence Assessment) taken last year the candidates not only passed first time, but scored one of the top six marks in the East, West and North regions before passing two interview panels convened by SELECT, from which the three finalists were chosen from five extremely capable candidates at the final Walled Garden interview.
The selection criteria were based on: Energy & Enthusiasm; Team Working Approach; Communication Skills; Industry Knowledge; Resilience & Tenacity and Challenge & Change.
The final judging panel was comprised of: Fional Harper, Secretary of the SJIB, Gary Mason, Scottish Regional Director, Edmundson Electrical Ltd and Bernard McAulay, National Officer for Unite the Union.
The three finalists now go through to the gala dinner and Awards night where they have been invited with families, friends and employers. Fiona Harper, Secretary of the SJIB, said: “Each year we scour the country to find the finest young electricians coming into the electrical industry. This year, as ever, we have found three stellar candidates who all have gone about their work with passion, enthusiasm, dedication and, above all, commitment to the job. And most importantly of all, they each have the practical and professional attributes that will see them go very far in the industry indeed. I would like to congratulate them on reaching the final and wish each and every one of them the very best of luck on the night!”
Bernard McAulay, National Officer for Unite the Union, added: “As a union which represents professional electricians, it is vital that we continue to invest in our young people to ensure we can secure the industry’s future. The SJIB Apprentice Training Scheme is fine example of how trade unions and employers can work together to help create a training programme which takes young people from the classroom to the workplace.”
JAMES WOTHERSPOON
West Region
AGE 22
HOME TOWN Clydebank
EMPLOYER E M MacKenzie & Co Ltd FICA PASS DATE 25 November 2014 TRAINING OFFICER George McCann
Aims for the Future – to do an HNC in Electrical Engineering and become an Approved Electrician. To start up his own company one day.
Hobbies/Interests – Playing football, going to the gym, socialising with family & friends, travelling and going to the movies.
His company said: “James has shown the will and an eagerness to learn. He has proved to be a young man that both his parents and also the company can be proud of.”
JOSH GRAHAM
West Region
AGE 24
HOME TOWN Kilbirnie
EMPLOYER Balfour Beatty Engineering Services Ltd
FICA PASS DATE 8 July 2014
TRAINING OFFICER Craig Johnston
Aims for the Future – To gain further qualifications and to experience the commercial and management aspects of the industry.
Hobbies/Interests – Playing golf and spending time with friends and family
His company said – “I cannot praise Josh high enough for his overall attitude and application to any task that he is given. Josh is always attentive and willing to learn and his attitude to safety is excellent.”
RYAN McSHANE
East Region
AGE 23
HOME TOWN Carluke
EMPLOYER Arthur Mckay & Co Ltd
FICA PASS DATE 9 September 2014
TRAINING OFFICER Barrie McKay
Aims for the Future – To move into the project management/design side of the industry.
Hobbies/Interests – Golfing and fishing. Holidays abroad and weekends away with his partner and friends.
His company said – “Ryan has a real natural ability and a willingness to learn and develop. He has demonstrated an excellent attitude, which is reflected in his work and his relationships with colleagues. He has developed a natural rapport with our customers throughout his apprenticeship.”
September 2015 Issue
