HUNTERSTON B power station’s apprentices marked Scottish Apprenticeship Week (March 5-9) with a special presentation ceremony at the station.

12 trainees gathered for a celebratory lunch where the third years were awarded with their BTEC and the fourth years with their NVQ certificates by Maintenance Manager, Len Astell and Maintenance Group Head, Dougie Graham.

The group spent the first two years of EDF Energy’s programme training at the Engineering Training Academy at HMS Sultan in Portsmouth.

During this time they underwent training in academic and workshop environments giving them an excellent introduction to engineering. Part of the programme also covers the development of life skills, like confidence and communication.

Since coming back to site they been studying on the job at Hunterston and attending college on day release to achieve a HNC qualification.

Apprenticeship Coordinator Craig McGhie, said: “Our apprentices work extremely hard. As well as being valuable members of the power station team, carrying out tasks alongside more experienced workers, they are also studying for qualifications so we thought it was fitting to mark their achievements in a formal way.”

Third year apprentice, Courtney McMillan, from Stevenston said: “I’m really enjoying my first year working back on site after training at HMS Sultan in Portsmouth. It is good opportunity to gain experience on the power station and to work towards a qualification at the same time. I went to university for a year but I didn’t enjoy it so I decided to apply for the apprenticeship scheme. I am glad I chose this route as I know I will finish the programme I will have the qualification to set me on the road to a successful career with the company.”

Recruitment has been taking place for the new intake of apprentices at Hunterston B who will start with EDF Energy in August.