Apprentice on road to success
Connor finds right route for skills
When Connor Waldron signed up to the first ‘pathfinder’ Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering in 2014, he had no idea that it would lead to a Modern Apprenticeship with his local authority.
He said: “When I was at school I thought I didn’t need a qualification to show people that I can work hard. Then I was really surprised when I got to go to college. I felt it was a make or break situation for me, but really wanted to make a go of it.”
Connor, a former pupil at St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn, spent time at West Lothian College and completed the work- based elements of his Foundation Apprenticeship in Fleet Services at West Lothian Council. In November 2016, his achievement was recognised when he became the very first Foundation Apprentice of the Year at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, organised by Skills Development Scotland.
Having completed his Foundation Apprenticeship in summer 2016 Connor is now employed as a Modern Apprentice in HGV vehicle maintenance at West Lothian Council. Connor secured one of two MA positions, fighting off competition from more than 700 applicants.
He has seamlessly continued his apprenticeship journey, demonstrating how a Foundation Apprenticeship can give young people the skills and experience that employers need and help get them ready for work.
Connor ’ s mana g e r, Joe Drew, believes the Foundation Apprenticeship gave Connor confidence and practical skills to ‘hit the ground running’.
A typical working day for Connor involves replacing tyres, fixing brakes and carrying out repairs.
Connor said: “I really enjoy it. The best bit of my job is when you have fixed something on a truck or car and then you see someone driving off it in and you think, I fixed that.’’