A partnership between Forth Valley College and EDF ENS UK – initially brokered by a local community council - has led to two men from the Falkirk area securing Modern Apprenticeships (MAs).
EDF ENS UK looks after the operations and maintenance of wind farms while EDF Energy Renewables owns and operates 31 wind farms across the UK, including the Burnhead wind farm near Slamannan
Kieran Tomlinson (23) from Laurieston and Andrew Armstrong (24) from Brightons recently started with the company as a multi-skilled engineering technician MAs in August.
They will attend FVC’s Falkirk Campus full-time for a full year, before switching to day release for years two and three. Kieran will complete an NC and HNC in Mechanical Engineering having already completed his electrical engineering qualifications. Andrew will study an NC and HNC in Electrical Engineering in the first instance but also hopes to undertake an HNC in Mechanical Engineering.
Members of Avonbridge and Standburn Community Council – who work closely with EDF Energy Renewables in managing community benefit funds from the Burnhead Wind Farm – were quick to arrange a meeting between the college and its sister company EDF ENS UK to discuss the possibility taking on new apprentices, after an event promoting a new Engineering MA model in February this year.
EDF Energy Renewables - in conjunction with Foundation Scotland - have also developed the Burnhead Moss Education and Training Fund which FVC will be promoting with advice and information to eligible students.
Kieran, said:
“It’s brilliant. My only regret is not getting on this MA programme sooner. Working with EDF ENS UK and studying at Forth Valley College makes it all worth it.”
Andrew, said:
“The more I find out about what our role entails the more excited I get. I am looking forward to getting the head down and seeing how far I can go. I would definitely recommend the college and EDF ENS UK to anyone thinking about doing an MA.”
Jennifer Tempany, FVC’s Head of Business Development, said:
“We are delighted that Kieran and Andrew have started on their Modern Apprenticeship journey with us here at Forth Valley College. We are also excited to be linking up with EDF ENS UK as they are part of one of the world’s leading energy companies and we hope we can build on this in the months and years to come, so many more of their apprentices can come to us and receive top quality engineering training.
“We are indebted to Avonbridge and Standburn Community Council for making the introductions and setting up the initial meeting between us. This is an excellent example of how highly we value community partnerships and how they can lead to very positive initiatives that can improve the lives of local people.”
Jordi Torres, Managing Director of EDF ENS UK said:
“We are delighted Burnhead wind farm’s community fund put us in touch with the College and helped us bring Kieran and Andrew on board. We are certain the Modern Apprenticeship will give them a fantastic grounding for their future careers and I wish them every success.”
Jo Hirst from Avonbridge and Standburn Community Council, said:
“Forth Valley College have been responsive, effective and proactive in supporting our initiative to develop an MA for the renewables industry with our partner EDF ENS UK. We are confident this programme will grow and benefit a greater number of young people from the Upper Braes area in future years.”