Flying start to Fraser’s career
Winner encourages other youngsters to take a Foundation Apprenticeship
The biggest benefit was the hands-on skills and contact with the employers
THE career prospects of teenager Fraser Wallace have soared after he was named Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year 2018.
The 18-year-old successfully completed a Foundation Apprenticeship at Ayrshire College, gaining work-based learning at aviation experts GE Caledonian as part of his qualification.
Now he is able to work, earn and learn by landing a Modern Apprenticeship at the firm this year, after impressing the bosses with his performance and passion for the job.
Fraser also won the title of Foundation Apprentice of the Year at the event, which was sponsored by College Development Network.
He received both awards looked on by his employer, college, parents and more than 300 guests at a special ceremony held at Perth Concert Hall.
Speaking about his new title, Fraser said: “It feels absolutely amazing to win this award and I’m really happy to have been recognised for my achievement.
“My biggest supporters have been my mum and dad, the college and everyone at my work, including Stephen McNab at GE Caledonian.
“I’d say to anyone considering what to do in their career to think about their options and give an apprenticeship a shot, because, like me, you never know what can happen.”
The former Greenwood Academy pupil had always wanted to do an apprenticeship as he liked the idea of practical, on-the-job learning while earning.
Fraser said: “I chose engineering because it was always something I was interested in. All the people who work here at GE Caledonian are very supportive and, if you ask, they are willing to help you as much as they can.”
The teen was drawn to a Foundation Apprenticeship in engineering because of his love of problem-solving and working with his hands.
Encouraging other Foundation Apprenticeships programme, Fraser said: “It can really help you get where you want in life and what you want to achieve, because its certainly helped me.
“The biggest benefit was the hands-on skills and contact with employers, because that’s invaluable when it comes to interviews and having a foot in the door.”
Stephen McNab, of GE Caledonian, said: “The impression that Fraser left was an ever-lasting one when he did his work experience with us.
“He had a genuine interest and passion that came through and it carried him forward to the next stage of his Foundation Apprenticeship.”
GE Caledonian have 600 employees and 27 MAs on and this is set to grow again next year.
The company started another Foundation Apprentice in August 2018 and said there are some potentially great students scheduled to complete them by 2019, five of which have had experience at GE.
Frank Mitchell, chair of Skills Development Scotland, said: “Apprenticeships are changing people’s lives and benefiting businesses across Scotland.
“Fraser is a fantastic example of the opportunities work-based learning provides to work and learn.
“All the employers and individuals who were nominated and won awards are testament to the power of apprenticeships to provide skills for the future.”
AWARD-WINNER FRASER WALLACE