Since then, we have engaged 11 different Modern or Graduate apprenticeships at our headquarters in Forres. There is traditionally a lower skillset among young people in Forres; something AES Solar’s commitment to opportunity is helping to overcome.

Shining a Light on Apprenticeships

AES Solar Marketing Manager Hannah Jakobsen said: “We place a high value on supporting youth opportunities in Moray as it can be a challenge to attract and retain young people in this region. We foster youth development opportunities in the area through apprenticeships. This allows us to diversify the local economy, encourage young people to stay and create a sense of ambition across the wider community.

“Despite everything that has happened in the last two years our workload has actually increased. So, by bringing on these new recruits it just increases our operational capacity. Successful apprenticeships mean we can delegate more roles. This frees up staff in other areas, which eases stress levels and means we can provide stronger customer service.”

Of the eight apprentices we have had or have currently, three are female. This includes Scheduling Coordinator Hannah Leslie who has completed two Modern Apprenticeships. The company recently welcomed its first female engineer to the team. Kiera Wright join us as a Graduate Apprentice in BEng (Hons) Engineering: Instrumentation, Measurement and Control.

Bright Sparks

Perhaps the story that best sums up the full apprenticeship pathway opportunity is that of 23-year-old Cameron Duncan. Cameron joined the company from Forres Academy in 2016 on a Modern Apprenticeship, progressed to Graduate Apprenticeship position and is set to graduate with honours in 2022.

Hannah continued: “Cameron is an invaluable addition to the Operations team. He joined us straight from school and is now in the final year of his Graduate Apprenticeship. During that time being able to see the increase in his confidence and his knowledge has been a great source of pride for everyone at the company. Not only does Cameron work in operations but he makes a wider contribution to the company, such as helping with the development of our core values, which is great to see.”

SME of the Year

Cameron’s journey is just one example of AES Solar’s apprenticeship programme success. This has resulted in the company being named as a finalist in the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in the SME Employer of the Year category sponsored by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

Over 12,000 employers support Scottish Apprenticeships, which are work-based learning opportunities or jobs with industry-recognised qualifications. Designed with employers for employers, Scottish Apprenticeships are demand-led and responsive to regional skills needs.

“Apprentices are always seen as a win-win investment. As a result, we aim to have a significant percentage of apprentices within our workforce. Currently, the ratio of apprentices within our ranks is 17.86%. This percentage will be continuously adjusted to reflect our growth as a company. When looking ahead to our business growth and recruitment plans it seems unlikely that there will be a route where apprenticeships do not feature – quite simply it’s impossible to imagine a future without them.”

Hannah Jakobsen, Marketing Manager, AES Solar

The winner of the SME Employer of the Year category sponsored by the Scottish Qualifications Authority will be revealed at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, which is organised by Skills Development Scotland and set to take place during Scottish Apprenticeship Week from 7-11 March. Find out more about the award finalists and the event by visiting www.apprenticeships.scot/awards