National Award Success For Highland Apprentice

17th November 2020

A technician with The Highland Council's Infrastructure and Environment service has been awarded the accolade of becoming Highways and Street Lighting Apprentice of the Year Finalist at the Association for Public Service Excellence Awards.

Ewan Gordon, who is based at the Drummuie Council Offices in Golspie, started his career with the Council as a trainee technician in October 2017, a few months after completing high school.

While at school Ewan had a keen interest in engineering, particularly the design of engineering works, and gained some experience of using design packages as part of his Graphic Communication course.

Since starting with the council in 2017 he has made excellent progress, completing a National Certificate in Civil Engineering for which he was awarded student of the year. He is now more than halfway through a Higher National Certificate in Civil Engineering, and Scottish Vocational Qualification in Construction Contracting Operations: Site Technical Support which he expects to complete in May next year.

Ewan, who is delighted to have received the national award said: "When I saw the Trainee Technician job advertised with the council, I thought that it would be a good opportunity to work in a subject area which I enjoy. I also thought that this opportunity with the councils Roads Department would give me the chance to gain a qualification, whilst gaining work experience at the same time to enhance my learning. The council also appealed to me as an employer thanks to its conditions and job security.

"Since joining the council, I have been involved in numerous jobs such as: re-surfacing works, road / bridge inspections, drainage design works, and a sign design and installation package which consisted of over 140 road signs and have gained a wide range of knowledge about roads operations, such as winter maintenance."

Ewan now aims to complete his Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Construction Contracting Operations: Site Technical Support and a Higher National Certificate in Civil Engineering. His longer-term objectives are to gain enough experience to enable him to complete an EngTech, and then, if possible, to continue studying Civil Engineering up to degree level.

Area Roads Manager Joanne Sutherland said: "Ewan has become a key part of our team. He has picked up new skills quickly and adapted very well to learning on the job. We are all delighted he has received this prestigious Award as he thoroughly deserves it."

The Association for Public Service Excellence Awards, which receive nominations from local authorities across the UK, also paid tribute to the work of The Highland Council who won an award for supporting Ewan's apprenticeship.

Chair of the Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Trish Robertson said: "Ewan really deserves this recognition for not only all his hard work but also his very professional attitude and enthusiasm to learn. He is a real asset and the Council are fortunate to have him, so I wish him every success as he continues with his career."

She added: "To date we have had 226 people currently working towards or completed their apprenticeships. It is great to see local young people like Ewan get the chance to thrive and make such a valuable contribution to the work of the Council as they carve out careers in their communities. The role the council plays to support all of our trainees and apprentices is to be applauded and everyone involved thanked for all their great work."

The Highland Council operates a Modern Apprenticeship programme offering a wide range of opportunities for apprenticeships in different roles, such as Engineering, Building Standards Surveyor, Architectural Technicians, Housing, Early Years Childcare, Business & Administration, ICT, Mechanical and Building trade to name a few To find out more information about the Modern Apprentice scheme visit the Skills Development Scotland website

Highland Council apprenticeship opportunities are all advertised throughout the year with apprenticeships starting from £9.34 per hour (SLW) and a great benefits package.

To find out how to apply visit the Council's website

Why not start your journey with Highland Council?