From left to right, Daniel Flannigan (SECTT Training Officer), Kieran McMillan (3rd-stage app), Greg Fraser (3rd-stage app), Brian Whittle MSP, and Gordon Christie (MD for AW&R)

MSP Brian Whittle visited Aird Walker and Ralston as part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week. Aird Walker and Ralston provide fully integrated electrical engineering solutions, and support services to industrial, commercial and utility markets and are based in Kilmarnock. Aird Walker and Ralston have several apprentices at various stages of the apprenticeship and are a big supporter of bringing through the next generation. Link to find out more about Aird Walker and Ralston HERE

Gordon Christie said ‘Training Apprentices in my opinion is the life blood of the electrical industry and also within most electrical businesses! The current and recent past clearly highlights if you don’t train electricians there is and will continue to be a skills shortage. Not only a shortage of electricians but also of these electrically competent people who then progress with experience and further education to become, electrical technicians, supervisors, commissioning, design, electrical, specialised engineers and leaders who in the main all complete a 4 year traditional apprenticeship on their journey.”

Brian Whittle MSP said “It was a pleasure to visit Aird Walker and Ralston and meet with some of their apprentices. Apprenticeships are a great way to enter the workplace and learn skills that can serve you for life. With renewable energy and green industries becoming a bigger and bigger part of our economy, there’s never been a better time to consider building a career as an electrician or electrical engineer.”

Kieran McMillan said “An electrical apprenticeship has been a great career choice for me as it has provided both an intellectual and physical challenge, which suits me best. I have thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship thus far and I am continuing to gain more experience on site.”

Greg Fraser said “I am really enjoying my electrical apprenticeship and I feel that I am picking up the knowledge and skills that will benefit me when I qualify. I think it is great that throughout the apprenticeship there is a mix of college studies and practical on-site work. The experience I am gaining with my company is mainly industrial but have learned a lot about domestic installations within the college practical in 1st year which has given me an overall knowledge of the industry.”