It’s Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2024!
This week is all about highlighting the benefits that apprenticeships can bring to people of all ages, businesses and the economy.
We will be sharing apprenticeship success stories this week to showcase the value they’ve brought to people in our network and encourage others to consider this path.
Our next story comes from Alan Muir, Production Lead and Health, Safety & Facilities Lead at our member company Martin Precision. Below he shares his journey and how an apprenticeship launched his career:
Alan’s story
“In 2001 I left 6th year at Carluke High School planning for life at university in Sports Coaching, but at the last minute I changed my mind. I spoke to my local job centre about apprenticeships available to me as my mates had all left school early and went down the apprenticeship route and were enjoying themselves. With good grades in English, Maths and Physics I was advised engineering would most likely suit me and I applied for a position with a company in Lanark which I was successful in after being interviewed and undergoing an aptitude test.
I then spent 4 years working in the stores, milling and turning sections whilst attending a training centre in Hamilton, Mettech, and also working through my NC and HNC in Mechanical Engineering at Motherwell College on day release.
As I was completing my apprenticeship and gaining my SVQ Engineering Level 3, an opportunity arose within the company to move into Non-destructive testing (NDT) which I still have my certification today in Dye penetrant and magnetic particle.
Around 2009 I was offered the opportunity to advance my knowledge in a Quality capacity and work as a quality assistant where, as well as covering NDT, I learned new skills in gauging, documentation, auditing and F.A.I.R delegation.
In 2018 a position was introduced within the company for a Health and safety and facilities lead which I moved into which allowed me to use a lot of skills I had gained working in various departments to define and manage the role and also gain my certificates in IOSH – Managing Safely, first aid and Mental Health First Aid.
Over the last couple of years I have now moved across into the Production sector of our business starting as a production assistant before moving onto Production lead learning and gaining new skills constantly with managing people, customers and suppliers.
In 2023 Martin Precision became employee owned and I was asked to become a trustee which I was delighted to accept.
I would encourage anyone to have a look at an apprenticeship, especially in Engineering, as it has led to me learning so many skills, gaining various certificates and qualifications and allowed me to help people in so many ways in my 23 years and counting with the business. I now work closely with local schools to try and encourage the next level of apprentices coming through with STEM and careers fairs.”
Thanks to Alan for sharing – his story really highlights how an apprenticeship can kickstart your career and build vital skills, all whilst earning. Stay tuned for more inspiring success stories to come this week.
Find out more about Scottish Apprenticeship Week and get involved here.
