Celebrating Apprenticeship Excellence Across the Highlands and Islands.

AES Solar is proud to announce that our team been shortlisted in four categories at the Highlands & Islands Apprenticeship Awards 2025. Taking place on Thursday the 27th of November, the awards will shine a spotlight on the incredible apprenticeship network in the Highlands and Islands, recognising excellence and inspiring the next generation of talent.

This year, we are honoured to have two outstanding apprentices shortlisted at the H&I Apprenticeship Awards 2025, Kiera Wright and Dylan Strachan, alongside our own nomination for SME Employer of the Year.

Kiera Wright: Graduate Apprentice of the Year & Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year

Few stories capture the purpose of apprenticeships quite like that of 23 year-old Kiera Wright, who has earned not one but two award nominations this year. Growing up in Buckie, Kiera believed pursuing her dream job in engineering without leaving her hometown was unattainable. That all changed when a Graduate Apprenticeship opportunity came up with AES in 2021.

Four years on, Kiera has become an indispensable part of our in-house design team. Her technical skills, particularly in grid compliance and the G99 process, have made her the trusted link between AES and distribution network operators across Scotland. She supports our maintenance team offering technical support, creates detailed PV designs, and plays a crucial role in safely connecting renewable systems to the grid.

First-Class Honours for a First-Class Engineer

Alongside her professional achievements, Kiera has excelled academically. This December, she will proudly graduate with a First Class Honours degree in Engineering: Instrumentation, Measurement and Control from Robert Gordon University.

However, what truly sets Kiera apart is her passion for inspiring others. As our STEM Champion, Kiera regularly leads outreach with local schools and colleges, encouraging and mentoring young people, particularly girls, to explore careers in engineering and renewable energy. This summer, she also mentored a local sixth-year student on work experience, offering invaluable hands-on experience and insights.

Through her apprenticeship, Kiera has developed into a confident, skilled, and ambitious engineer. Her journey highlights not only the strength of graduate apprenticeship schemes but also the value of nurturing local talent to drive forward the country’s renewable energy future.

We are incredibly proud to support her continued growth as she steps into her new role as Graduate Design Engineer and takes on leadership of our newly formed Servicing Department.

Dylan Strachan: Energy & Utilities Apprentice of the Year

When 20 year old Dylan Strachan from Nairn first joined AES Solar in 2021, he was straight out of school at 16 and unsure what direction he wanted to take. What he did know was that he preferred a hands-on approach to learning and could see himself one day working in a trade. His apprenticeship journey began with manufacturing our solar thermal panel, the AES Luminary. This kickstarted a fascination with plumbing, renewables, and how installations work in practice.

After completing his apprenticeship, Dylan took a short detour away from AES Solar to pursue his desired preference of a Plumbing Apprenticeship elsewhere. However, he soon realised what he valued most was a positive, encouraging environment where he could grow and make a real contribution, so in 2022 Dylan returned to AES.

As luck would have it, AES Solar was preparing to expand our in-house plumbing capabilities and Dylan was perfectly positioned to step into the new role of Plumbing Apprentice. Now in his third year, Dylan works across Scotland installing and servicing solar thermal systems, learning directly from our Installation Manager, who brings more than 40 years of industry experience.

Building Skills on Sites Across Scotland

Dylan’s achievements speak for themselves. He has competed twice in the SNIPEF Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year Competition, impressing judges with his talent and professionalism. He also played a key role in the refurbishment of the Olympia Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre in Dundee, and this year he was awarded Most Improved Plumbing Apprentice at the 2025 UHI Moray Construction Awards.

Beyond technical skill, Dylan has undergone a remarkable personal transformation from a quiet school leaver uncertain about his future to a confident apprentice with clear ambitions. His long-term goal is to become Lead Plumber at AES Solar, working closely with our heat pump team.

His story shows the power of apprenticeships to unlock potential, build confidence, and provide meaningful career paths in renewables.

AES Solar: SME Employer of the Year

Our own nomination for SME Employer of the Year also recognises our commitment to apprenticeships as a cornerstone of our success. Since becoming an apprenticeship employer in 2015, we have supported 18 apprentices across a wide range of disciplines from plumbing and electrical work to business management, digital applications, and marketing.

Our Journey to the Highland & Island Apprenticeship Awards 2025

Today, over 20% of our workforce is either currently undertaking or has completed an apprenticeship, and we proudly hold a 100% retention rate across our apprentices. Apprenticeships are not simply a recruitment tool, they are central to our culture and long-term vision. They help us nurture local talent, tackle national green skills shortages, and grow the workforce needed to deliver Scotland’s renewable energy future. From school leavers to graduate apprentices, we are committed to providing meaningful career pathways that allow people to stay, work, and thrive in Moray.

Looking Ahead

Being shortlisted across three categories is an honour and a testament to the hard work, passion, and commitment of our apprentices and teams. We look forward to celebrating with fellow nominees at the Highlands & Islands Apprenticeship Awards on the 27th of November and continuing to champion apprenticeships as a powerful route into Scotland’s renewable energy future.

Good luck to Kiera and Dylan and thank you to everyone who helps make AES Solar a thriving, supportive, and forward-looking apprenticeship employer.