Hannah proves there is no wrong path by celebrating solar success!
Today marks a momentous occasion for young people in Moray who will be receiving their exam results. At AES Solar, we understand that exam results alone do not make or break your future prospects. There are multiple paths people can take to get to the same destination, and an apprenticeship can be a great option.
It can be hard for young people in Forres to access the range of opportunities on offer in big cities which we are committed to helping overcome.
In this blog post, we hear from our Project Coordinator and Forres local, Hannah Hilditch, who celebrated a 10-year career milestone at the company this year, celebrating solar success! Since setting foot in the office as an admin assistant in 2014, Hannah has progressed through four job positions, completed two SVQs and has taken on the role of company health and wellbeing champion, proving that you don’t have to go to college or university to achieve success in the sector.
No Wrong Path
Congratulations on celebrating 10 years at AES Solar. What did you study at school
and what made you apply for your first job with us?
I came to AES Solar straight from Forres Academy where I studied a range of Standard Grades and Highers – primarily English, Maths, Psychology and Geography amongst a few others. I applied for the admin assistant role after leaving school because I didn’t know anyone else who worked in the renewables industry. It seemed like something different which intrigued me to explore it further. When I first started, the company was a lot smaller than it is now. I remember being shown to my own designated desk – a novelty at the time – and the whole team made me feel welcome which gave me the confidence to get stuck into my new role.
#NoWrongPath aims to show young people the options that are available to them and that results are not necessarily the key to unlocking future success.
From teas and coffees to teams and projects!
How have your roles and responsibilities evolved over the past decade, and how has this contributed to your personal and professional growth?
I’ve had a number of positions increasing in responsibility over the years thanks to the
support and guidance of the entire team. I started primarily answering the phone,
managing basic email enquiries, filing paperwork and doing tea and coffee runs for visitors. I’ve now gone from managing files and the kettle to managing projects both commercial and domestic in my current role as Project Coordinator!
My advice to young people who want to go straight into the world of work after leaving school is to simply get stuck in, work productively with your team members and take every opportunity for development you can get as doing so can open doors in your career. The solar energy industry is your oyster and if you seek to be part of it, the opportunities are there to take.
Shining a Light on Apprenticeships
You’ve completed two modern apprenticeships and worked alongside a number of our other apprentices over the years. What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship with AES Solar?
I think apprenticeships are really important for attracting and retaining young people in Moray, giving them the opportunity to thrive. I recommend anyone who is determined, resilient and willing to learn to consider doing an apprenticeship. We have offered modern apprenticeships in the past across a range of fields from Business and Administration, to Warehousing and Manufacturing, and Plumbing, allowing school leavers to earn money whilst gaining a widely recognised qualification through quality work-based learning. The apprentices themselves are an invaluable addition and it is a joy to watch their confidence and knowledge grow. Our 100% apprentice retention rate demonstrates what can be achieved to grow green skills and establish solar energy professionals in the Moray area.
5-Star Projects
What do you enjoy the most about your role and what are some of the most
memorable projects you’ve been involved in during your time at AES Solar?
I really enjoy working on a diverse range of projects alongside a talented team with a
true passion for solar. One week I could be working on a small off-grid installation on the Isle of Handa, the next I could be working on an installation for a historic Scottish landmark like Edinburgh Castle.
The most memorable projects I’ve worked on include Balmoral Castle where we installed AES Luminary Panels on the royal estate office as well as a charitable installation for our incredible charity of the year, The Oxygen Works, where we installed a solar PV system free of charge in collaboration with other Highland businesses.
Solar Milestones
Finally, what does reaching this 10-year career milestone mean to you personally?
Reaching this 10-year career milestone feels like a great accomplishment and one that I am very proud of. I certainly feel as though I’ve achieved a lot since I first set foot in the office as a school leaver going into an admin assistant role all those years ago. Part of this comes down to dedication and work ethic, but I also think it is a testament to AES Solar’s culture, retaining team members for long periods of time and encouraging them to progress through the career ladder.
I feel proud to work for a company that cares not only about the environment but its team, too. Passions at work and personal interests are encouraged not dampened – for example, I am allocated time to carry out my role as Health and Wellbeing Champion which I find incredibly rewarding.
Here’s to the next 10 years of celebrating solar success!
Careers
If you are interested in doing an apprenticeship with us, please send an email to
info@aessolar.co.uk with your CV and cover letter or view our current vacancies here.
