Celebrating Alternative Career Paths with AES Solar and DYW Moray.
As young people across Scotland receive their exam results, the pressure to follow a traditional academic route can feel overwhelming. But what if that route doesn’t feel right? Here at AES, we believe there’s No Wrong Path to success.
That’s why we’re proud to support DYW Moray’s campaign, serving as an important reminder to young people across Scotland: exam results are not the be-all and end-all.
Whether you’re heading to university, college, employment, or taking time to decide, the journey to a fulfilling career can take many forms.
We’ve seen firsthand how alternative pathways, particularly apprenticeships, can help young people thrive. In fact, over 20% of our current team have either completed or are currently undertaking an apprenticeship with us!
To mark the #NoWrongPath campaign, we’re spotlighting two of our young solar stars who took an alternative route to their career progression, proving there’s no wrong path when it comes to forging your future.
Kiera Wright: Designing a Bright Future in Renewables
For 22-year-old Kiera from Buckie, the idea of staying close to home while gaining a degree in engineering and building a career seemed too good to be true – until she discovered a job opening for a graduate apprentice position at AES Solar!
“When I finished school, I thought university was the only option. But the apprenticeship allowed me to earn a wage, gain valuable hands-on experience, and get a degree all at the same time,” she said.
Since joining AES Solar in 2021, Kiera has been working towards her Bachelor’s with Honours in Engineering at Robert Gordon University, due to graduate later this year. As a key member of our in-house design team, her work helps shape the solar systems that power homes and businesses across Scotland, and her passion for renewable technology evolves with every project.
Growing up in a town where oil and gas dominated the conversation, Kiera wasn’t initially aware of the opportunities in renewables. “I used to think a career in engineering for me meant oil rigs. However, once I got into this role, I realised how innovative and fast-paced the renewables sector is. The technology is constantly evolving, and there’s always more to learn.”
Kiera is passionate about encouraging more young women into STEM and renewable energy careers. She regularly visits local schools to share her journey and inspire the next generation and is currently offering mentorship to a local sixth-year student during her summer work experience at AES Solar.
“I didn’t take physics until fourth year because it felt intimidating, like a ‘boys only’ subject. But when I did, I fell in love with it. Engineering keeps my brain ticking, and I’d love to see more girls consider this kind of work. There’s so much opportunity, and we need a more diverse range of perspectives in the industry.”
Her advice for anyone receiving exam results and unsure about what’s next?
“Just go for it. There’s space for everyone in this industry, and it’s one of the most rewarding careers you can have. There really is no wrong path.”
Dylan: From Warehouse Assistant to Plumbing Apprentice
For Dylan, now in his third year of a plumbing apprenticeship with AES Solar, the journey into renewables began with a warehouse role and a curiosity about how things work.
Catching up with Dylan, he said: “As a hands-on, practical person, I always thought I would be more suited to learning a trade.”
“I originally started as a Warehouse & Manufacturing Assistant, contributing to the manufacturing process of our solar thermal panel, the AES Luminary. This sparked my curiosity, and I became interested in learning more about how these panels would work and what the process would be like to install these panels.”
That interest turned into opportunity, with the creation of an in-house plumbing team. “I was asked if I would consider a plumbing apprenticeship. I jumped at the opportunity and I’ve never looked back!”
Now Dylan works closely with our Installation Manager, travelling all over Scotland to install and service our solar thermal systems.
“No two days are the same, and I love that. 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. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a project through from start to finish.”
His apprenticeship has already opened doors, including representing AES Solar at the SNIPEF Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year Competition the past two years.
Looking ahead, Dylan hopes to take on a lead plumber role and expand his skillset into heat pump installations following our acquisition of a dedicated heat pump team in Dingwall.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all route after school. Not everyone learns the same way, and that’s okay. An apprenticeship gave me the chance to find a path that works for me, that’s hands-on, practical, and full of variety. If you’re not sure what’s next after school, don’t worry. There are loads of ways to build a great career, and renewables is an exciting place to start.”
At AES Solar, we believe in giving young people the tools, support and opportunities they need to grow wherever they’re starting from. Kiera and Dylan are proof that alternative pathways can lead to powerful, fulfilling careers that make a difference. Thanks, guys!
#NoWrongPath
To anyone receiving their results this week: remember, there’s no wrong path. Whether your journey starts with an apprenticeship, university, college, or something else entirely, the important thing is finding something that sparks your interest and allows you to grow.
And if that path leads you to renewables, we’re always here to chat.
To learn more about apprenticeships or career opportunities at AES Solar, call 01309 676 911 or email hr@aessolar.co.uk
