This week marks National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), the biggest event in the apprenticeships and skills calendar!
Now in its 18th year, NAW offers the occasion to celebrate the values, benefits and opportunities that apprenticeships bring to individuals and businesses alike.
This year’s theme, Skills For Life, highlights how apprenticeships can help people develop rewarding careers while equipping employers with the next generation of talent to drive growth and innovation.
The Value of Apprenticeships at AES Solar
AES Solar first became an apprentice employer in March 2015. Since then, we have supported 13 different modern or graduate apprenticeship schemes, from Plumbing and Electrical Apprenticeships to Business Management and even IT and Digital Marketing.
We have retained 100% of the team who completed an apprenticeship. Over 20% of our entire team have either engaged in or are currently enrolled on an apprenticeship scheme. It’s hard to imagine a future where apprenticeships don’t play a significant part in our growth!
To celebrate NAW 2025, we sat down with Dylan, a key member of our in-house solar thermal installation team and a third-year plumbing apprentice, to shine a light on his apprenticeship journey with AES.
Meet Dylan
Hi Dylan, what is your job title and how long have you been employed at AES?
I am a Plumbing Apprentice and have been employed with AES Solar for 4 years now.
Why did you decide to pursue an apprenticeship?
As a hands-on, practical person, I always thought I would be more suited to learning a trade. By learning on the job through an apprenticeship programme I’ve been able to gain first-hand experience in real-world environments all while earning a wage.
Why did you choose a plumbing apprenticeship?
I originally joined AES Solar as a Warehouse & Manufacturing Assistant, keen to work in the renewables sector in a fast-growing and exciting industry. Within my role, I contributed to the manufacturing process of our solar thermal panel, the AES Luminary. This sparked my interest in solar thermal and I became interested in learning more about how these panels would work and what the process would be like to install these panels. When the opportunity came up to develop our in-house plumbing expertise I was asked if I would consider a plumbing apprenticeship and jumped at the opportunity to get involved.
What does your typical workday as a plumbing apprentice look like?
AES Solar services the whole of Scotland there is some travelling involved with the job. Because of this, I have visited sites and installed systems all over and had the opportunity to see some really nice parts of the country. I work one-on-one with our Installation Manager responsible for installing and servicing our solar thermal systems. With over 40 years of experience in plumbing and heating he is a great source of knowledge – what he doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing!
Every day is different which I really like. One day we could be installing a new solar thermal system on a new build property and the next we could be servicing a system that has been in operation for over 25 years and is still providing hot water to the household.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy the travelling that comes with the job and getting the chance to visit places I wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to go, such as remote areas on the west coast of Scotland. There’s also something very satisfying about learning a physical skill and seeing a job completed after being involved from start to finish. You can visibly see the rewards of your efforts.
What has been your biggest achievement at AES so far?
Last year I entered the SNIPEF Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year Competition in Glasgow. I was one of only two first-year apprentices taking part amongst participants in their third or fourth year. I was also part of the team responsible for commissioning the system at the Olympia Swimming Pool in Dundee.
What advice would you give to a school leaver interested in completing an apprenticeship this National Apprenticeship Week?
I would 100% recommend an apprenticeship to those considering their options. No day is the same, the work is interesting and there’s such a variety of things to learn and do, all while earning a wage. I would also recommend an apprenticeship in renewables if you can, to set you up with skills for life in an exciting industry that isn’t going anywhere.
Where do you see your apprenticeship taking you in the next couple of years?
Once I complete my apprenticeship, I hope to progress to the position of Lead Solar Thermal Plumber at AES Solar. Thanks to our recent acquisition of heat pump specialists Black Isle Renewables, I hope to learn from these new members of the team and become experienced in heat pump installations.
Thanks Dylan, all the best in the remainder of your apprenticeship!
Creating Opportunities and Driving Innovation
Jamie Di Sotto, Commercial Director at AES Solar, said:
“As we continue to face a skills shortage in the sector, we believe that the solution lies in developing the next generation of talent at our doorstep. Dylan is a brilliant example of the benefit of untapping the potential we have in our local youth workforce. We encourage other businesses in the renewable energy industry to consider apprenticeships as a sustainable model for addressing the green skills gap whilst also supporting local talent. It’s evident how much we value our apprentices at AES Solar and the huge breadth of talent and ideas they bring to our organisation, as well as a passion and willingness to learn.”
To find out more about what apprenticeships can offer you whether you’re a business or looking for work click here.
If you’re interested in an apprenticeship with AES Solar please enquire directly on 01309 676911 or email info@aessolar.co.uk.
