Meet Kiera, a graduate apprentice working with AES Solar to gain bright new opportunities in the solar industry.
Kiera Wright is a 19 year old HNC Engineering Systems graduate from Moray College (UHI). She is currently studying towards a Graduate Apprenticeship BEng (Hons) Engineering: Instrumentation, Measurement and Control at Robert Gordon University.
What is your role, and how does that relate to the net zero journey?
My role within the company is Graduate Apprentice Engineer supporting the engineering design team to provide the best solar product and system solutions for our clients by learning and carrying out vital technical administration tasks. This will allow me to work as well as obtain a degree at the same time. Doing a graduate apprenticeship is very beneficial. I am able to learn new skills and put them into practice in the work place.
For example I have recently been learning to correctly execute technical drawings. This has helped me develop the skills to be able to create efficient schematic drawings for the company. My main target with the company would be to develop my skills and knowledge. I also want to complete my degree to become an established professional engineer working in renewable energy.
How do you feel about the work?
I thoroughly enjoy having a role within the solar industry. It makes me feel as though I am part of a bigger picture of the positive movement towards renewable energy.
Within the company we aim to be as environmentally friendly as possible. This is not just in the product we manufacture and install but in our daily tasks and operations. This really encourages me to think about the changes I can make in my own life.
At AES Solar we fundamentally and whole-heartedly believe that solar can play a vital part in the world’s energy needs. Because of this, we need to maximise the potential power of our most precious natural resource – the sun. And it’s great to be there every step of the way, helping people find out how they can make solar part of their life.
What net zero skills have you developed?
Within my role not only has my technical knowledge increased but my confidence and communication skills have improved significantly due to having to contact larger companies such as SSE and SP Energy. Organisation and time management have also been two skills which have been greatly improved due to prioritising my workloads in a bustling, thriving company. Working at AES Solar and carrying out my Graduate Apprenticeship has greatly added to my ambition to become a professional established engineer working within the renewables sector. I believe that net zero work offers a wide range of opportunities for myself and other young people with emerging skills as it is always changing and growing due to new developments which is something really appealing and exciting to me.
Solar skills offer bright new opportunities. AES Solar is creating new jobs, and skills development locally for the next generation of talent in the North of Scotland. This interview was carried out in partnership with HIE Net Zero Heroes.
