SP Energy Networks have snapped up a former Forth Valley College engineering student for their Modern Apprenticeship programme.
Calum Stoddart (18), from Falkirk successfully completed the one year full-time Pre-Apprenticeship Engineering course at the Falkirk Campus, which prepared him for the interview process for SP Energy Networks and then to slot into their much sought after Power Distribution Engineer MA first year cohort, which began in August 2020.
Completion of the Pre-App course can also see graduates move into the second year of engineering apprenticeships at various other companies.
Calum, said: “I did a day release course at the college when I was in school and realised that I enjoyed practical subjects and decided to apply for the Pre Apprenticeship course at Falkirk. It was my local college and I felt it would help me get an apprenticeship in the future.
“Throughout my time at the college I have been in both the old and new buildings and I must say the staff and facilities have been great in both. Being at the college allowed me to learn new skills and develop existing ones on a subject that I wanted to progress in.
“Studying for the Pre-Apprenticeship course helped me out extremely well when it came to going for the interview with SP Energy Networks, as it showed that I could do the work that I was going to be carrying out in the job and gave me the knowledge to do it effectively.
“I would recommend it to people who are aiming to get into a practical subject based job, as it is a great way to learn the skills you will need to progress in the sector.
“The best part about being in the college was learning new skills and doing practical work in a new environment compared to school. Another good part is the thought of progressing on to a job that I want to do at the end of it, especially with a company like SPEN. It is something that, without the college, I would never have been able to do.”
Janet Turner, Resource Manager for Scottish Power Energy Networks, said: “Calum has gained real work-related skills from completing the pre-apprenticeship course, he has good hand skills which were developed through his course which he has increased even more since joining SPEN in his apprenticeship. He embraces each part of his development and takes this learning into the next stage. Recently he completed his technical training which he really enjoyed, and is now out on-site learning on the job.”
Lorraine Kerr, FVC Business Development Partner, said: “Calum worked hard throughout the year on the engineering Pre-Apprentice course and he was absolutely delighted to secure his MA with Scottish Power. I remember him sharing the news that he had been successful with a huge smile on his face. The engineering pre-apprenticeship has been running very successfully for four years now, and is a fantastic stepping stone for young people to progress onto a MA. It is very rewarding to see Calum and so many other young people progress into MAs after completion of the course.”
Frances Tasker, FVC Business Development Partner who works closely with Scottish Power, added: “When Calum joined the other apprentices from Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) he was excited and looking forward to the next chapter of his career.
“I had met Calum through the Pre-Apprenticeship programme as he had met with a previous group of apprentices, to ask them questions about their job roles and the company in order to prepare himself for the application and the recruitment process.
“It was obvious Calum had developed skills, knowledge and confidence through being on the Pre-apprenticeship course, which was evident to myself and SPEN. The Pre-Apprenticeship course is a brilliant way for individuals to develop the necessary competencies as well as soft skills employers are seeking in recruiting apprentices. Calum is continuing to progress well in his apprenticeship and very much enjoying the training and work he is doing.”