A West Lothian engineer has been crowned Apprentice Ambassador of the Year at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards 2018.
Ryan O’Connor (24) from Broxburn has been an active promoter of apprenticeships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), which earned him the title at the awards event held at Perth Concert Hall.
The Scottish Apprenticeship Awards are organised by Skills Development Scotland as a celebration of the best apprentices and apprentice employers in the country.
An apprentice himself, Ryan has successfully progressed from a Modern Apprenticeship to a Graduate Apprenticeship with Jacobs UK.
Ryan is an active STEM Ambassador who is involved with Jacobs in the A9 Academy initiative from Transport Scotland, linked specifically to the A9 Dualling programme.
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On receiving his accolade, Ryan said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have won. I’ve put in so much work in getting through my apprenticeship so, to win is very rewarding.
Winning the award is my proudest achievement. It shows the work the work I’ve put into my apprenticeship and continue to through my role.”
The former Broxburn Academy pupil started with Jacobs UK, a global provider of technical, professional and scientific services to the construction industry, in 2015.
As an apprentice in its highways team in Edinburgh he was able to work, learn and earn.
Ryan completed his Level 3 Modern Apprentice Construction Contracting Operations: Site Technical Support at SCQF Level 6 last year.
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This enabled him to be fast-tracked into year two of a BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering at Heriot Watt University within a Graduate Apprenticeship with Jacobs, which is funded by Skills Development Scotland.
Ryan explained the ambassadorial work he’s been doing at Jacobs: “We went to Breadalbane School last year to help get fourth, fifth and sixth years get ready for the work environment.
“We did different things, such as mock interviews and CV writing. I did a presentation on what it’s been like for me coming through the apprenticeship and explaining to young people that going straight from school to university isn’t the only way to get into this profession.”
The young engineer describes what he is doing as one of the most rewarding ways he can think of to progress through his career.
He said: “As well as earning while learning, I’m also developing new skills and getting involved in projects that give me real life experience that will be valuable later in my career when I’ve gained my degree.
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“Without the apprenticeship I would probably be a full-time student at this point in my life, without any work experience in engineering. An apprenticeship does what it says on the tin - you gain valuable experience and qualifications.”
Jacobs said that apart from being an active member of STEM, Ryan has been participating in various career events across Scotland. His enthusiasm and commitment are widely recognised across business
Michal Kaniewski of Jacobs says: “Ryan has become an integral part of the business since completing his modern apprenticeship. Doing the apprenticeship gave him the knowledge, confidence and project understanding to be able to progress through the early stages of his career, and feel like a valued member of the team.”
He added that as well as being an active member of STEM, Ryan has been participating in various career events across Scotland and his “enthusiasm and commitment widely recognised across business”.
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Gillian MacCormick, apprenticeship officer at CITB Scotland, said: “Ryan is a perfect example of why apprenticeships work. He deserves to be congratulated for his hard work and absolute dedication to achieving his Modern Apprenticeship.
“He has overcome all challenges with strength, determination and confidence. I wish him the best of luck for a successful future.”
Chair of Skills Development Scotland, Frank Mitchell, said: “Apprenticeships are changing people’s lives and benefiting businesses across Scotland. All the employers and individuals who were nominated and won awards are testament to the power of apprenticeships to provide skills for the future.”
Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, Jamie Hepburn said: “The growth of apprenticeships means they are becoming the lifeblood of businesses across the country.
“The Scottish Apprenticeship Awards recognise some the country’s most talented apprentices and employers of all sizes backing work-based learning.”
