Life skills are on offer for apprentices

EDF Energy is joining employers across the country in support of Scottish Apprenticeship Week.
Torness apprentice Stefany ChisholmTorness apprentice Stefany Chisholm
Torness apprentice Stefany Chisholm

The selection process is currently underway to find the latest batch of recruits for the company’s two Scottish power stations.

Dan Martin (21) is among 52 other apprentices in Scotland on the EDF Energy Engineering Maintenance Apprenticeship Scheme. It is a four-year programme which focuses on the skills required to maintain the company’s eight nuclear, two coal and one combined cycle gas turbine power stations across the UK.

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Dan is in the fourth year of his training at Torness power station and says he is glad to have secured a place: “Engineering is what I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve always had a technical mind and I like solving problems. From a really young age I used to spend time messing around with cars in my grandfather’s garage. I take real pride out of fixing things and making them work again.

“This programme is a great alternative to anyone who doesn’t fancy university. When I was at school there was always a feeling that if you didn’t go to university, you wouldn’t end up with a good job. Now lots of my friends are getting ready to graduate and don’t have jobs lined up but I’ve been earning while I’ve been working towards my qualification. It’s been a priceless experience.”

Torness’ apprentice co-ordinator Gillian Farquhar said: “We are selecting six new apprentices for this year’s intake at Torness. Our apprentices gain an excellent technical qualification and have the chance to develop their life skills as well.”

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