Copper load of this talent MSP visits whisky apprentices
MSP Keith Brown made his way to Scotland’s oldest copperworks to meet a group of Scotch whisky apprentices this week.
The Clackmannanshire and Dunblane representative, who is the cabinet secretary for economy, jobs and fair work, visited Diageo’s Abercrombie Works on Monday to mark Scottish ApprenticeshipWeek.
He got the chance to see first-hand how the apprentices are picking up the traditional craft of coppersmithing – and meet 18-year-old Rebecca Weir who is the first ever female apprentice coppersmith.
He said:“Young people like Rebecca have so much to offer and apprenticeships help create a dynamic and experienced workforce that contributes so much to Scotland’s businesses and industries.
“Apprenticeships are a key way to support young people into sustainable and rewarding careers and I welcome Diageo’s ongoing commitment to apprentices here in Clackmannanshire and across all their sites in Scotland.”
The politician was given a guided tour of the Alloa site by operation manager Charlie King. A total of 43 coppersmiths are employed there and the latest crop of nine apprentices – including Rebecca – will help ensure the growing global demand for Scotch whisky is met through the creation of copper stills.
Rebecca said:“It was really good to get the chance to show Mr Brown the skills that we are learning during our apprenticeships. I enjoyed telling him about the brilliant opportunities that I have to continually develop my skills, on-site and in the classroom.”