A YOUNG Stevenston woman has been named Academy Apprentice of the Year at EDF Energy’s end of academic year awards ceremony.

Courtney McMillan, a 21-year-old apprentice at Hunterston B, fought off stiff competition from other first year apprentices from across the UK to win the title. 

And it was a double celebration for the Three Towns as Courtney’s colleague, Rachel Boyd from Ardrossan, was named the Year 2 Control and Instrumentation Student of the Year.

Hunterston B Station Director, Colin Weir, said: “Our apprentices spend the first two years of their training at HMS Sultan near Portsmouth with other apprentices from EDF Energy’s sites across the UK and I am extremely proud of the way they have represented both themselves and the station.”

During the time the apprentices spend at HMS Sultan, they undergo training in academic and workshop environments to ensure they gain an excellent introduction to engineering and develop a strong skills foundation. Part of this programme also covers the development of life skills, like confidence and communication.

Two other Ayrshire apprentices based at Hunterston were also recognised for their hard work. 

Christie Fraser from Millport was a runner-up to Courtney, while Kerri Lumsden from Troon was a runner up for the Year 2 Electrical Apprentice of the Year.

Apprentice Coordinator, Craig McGhie, said: “The awards are given on the basis of the broad range of work the apprentices do over the year including practical and classroom work and developing life-skills. All four of our award winners have worked extremely hard over the past year and it is great to see that has paid off.”

In total, the apprentices will spend four years in training to attain an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship Certificate in Engineering, a BTEC Level 3 (ONC equivalent) and also an NVQ Level 3.