Alicia Barrett (18) from Falkirk landed a job with building services solutions firm Viridis while completing a Pre-Apprenticeship in Engineering at Forth Valley College.
She is also a Trainee Design Engineer for the company who are experts in providing sustainable passive environmental building services incorporating renewable, low carbon and low energy systems their clients, and is based at the their Falkirk office.
Alicia, said: “My role as a Trainee Design Engineer involves designing mechanical and electrical systems for buildings. At the moment because I am a trainee, I’ve been learning the basics of how to heat buildings and of energy use and also some 3D software like SketchUp, which I’ve been using to model a building.
“The Pre-apprenticeship/Modern Apprenticeship program at FVC was very helpful in finding me an apprenticeship. Given the current climate, I expected finding an apprenticeship to be a difficult and lengthy process, but the program made it a lot easier.
“The course has helped me get more experience in general, but also specifically engineering, as I had not had much experience with it before other than at college.
“The lecturers are also nice and helpful, and always happy to help. I have not been in the new Falkirk Campus building much because of Covid-19, but it seems like they have good facilities particularly with the workshop. I look forward to using them soon.
“The best bit for me is studying at College and working at the same time is like the best of both worlds.
“The advice I would give to potential new students would be, if you plan on getting an apprenticeship, the pre-apprenticeship program at Forth Valley College is probably your best option.”
Places are currently available on the Pre-Apprenticeship in Engineering.