AES Solar engineer Kiera Wright shares her journey and calls for more women in renewables and STEM careers.

Buckie woman Kiera Wright has called for more girls to consider engineering as a career, as Scotland marks its national Apprentice Week.

Wright, 22, was brought up in the town and now works with Forres firm AES Solar. She will complete a four-year graduate apprenticeship degree with AES this summer, graduating with a Bachelor’s with Honours in Engineering: Instrumentation, Measurement and Control at Robert Gordon University.

The Apprenticeship Advantage: Learning While Earning

‘I’ve lived in Buckie since I was a wee toot,’ she says. ‘When I finished school I was all set to go to university because that’s what I thought I had to do for my career. But when I saw this job with AES Solar advertising a graduate apprenticeship, I realised I could stay at home, get experience, earn a wage and get that same level of education.’

Wright is a design engineer here at AES Solar as we specialise in designing and installation of solar panels for homes and businesses across Scotland. In our 45+ year history, we have been at the forefront of solar energy solutions, recently fitting solar PV panels onto Edinburgh Castle. Wright believes the industry is brimming with opportunity and is keen to see more young people – especially women – pursue careers in engineering.

‘Living in Buckie you were always aware of parents who were offshore workers; that was the main industry. Oil and gas was the career path that was always discussed in my area.

‘It wasn’t until I started looking into different technologies that I realised engineering isn’t just about oil and gas. Since I started at AES Solar in 2021 the technology has continued to grow and advance. It’s always changing; that’s the benefit of renewables. There are always things to learn.’

Designing Scotland’s Energy Future

The demand for solar panels has surged in recent years, particularly as energy prices have increased and homeowners and businesses look for cost-effective ways to reduce their reliance on traditional power sources. Wright’s role here at AES Solar involves designing the systems that enable solar panels to generate electricity and ensuring they can integrate seamlessly with the wider electricity grid.

‘When I was going into my career path I wasn’t aware of too much information around these technologies. Now, I wholeheartedly believe renewables are the future.’

As an engineering Graduate Apprentice, Wright also believes that a passion for technology starts young.

‘As a typical youth I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but I really enjoyed science at high school. Physics was something I didn’t take until my fourth year because it always felt daunting, it felt like a male-dominated subject.

‘But as soon as I took it up I fell in love with it. I wanted to do something challenging and interesting and keep my brain ticking all the time, and physics and engineering do that.’

The Future of Engineering: More Women in Renewables Needed

Now, Wright is passionate about encouraging the next generation, particularly young women, to consider careers in renewables. She actively engages with schools in her area, giving talks about engineering and the opportunities available within the field. ‘I’d particularly love to see more girls considering this career,’ she adds. ‘There are so many opportunities in renewables, and we need more diverse perspectives in the industry.

As Scotland marks Scottish Apprenticeship Week, Wright hopes her story will inspire more young people to consider alternative routes into higher education and careers. ‘Not everyone wants to follow the traditional university route, and that’s okay. Apprenticeships are an amazing way to gain experience while earning a qualification. I wouldn’t change my path for anything.’

For anyone considering a career in engineering or renewables, Wright’s advice is simple: ‘Go for it. There’s space for everyone in this industry, and it’s one of the most rewarding careers you can have.’

Find out more about Scottish Apprentice Week at: https://www.apprenticeships.scot/events/scottish-apprenticeship-week