Eleanor named construction Apprentice of the Year

An 18-year-old trainee plant operator from Islay was named Apprentice of the Year 2021/2022 by the Scottish Plant Owners Association (SPOA) at its 70th annual dinner in Glasgow earlier this month.

Eleanor Macmillan-Currie was inspired by her father to join the construction industry and now works for the family business, W&M Currie & Son.

She is currently doing an apprenticeship with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) as a plant operator.

‘I am grateful for the nomination, and to be presented the award was just fantastic,’ said

Eleanor. ‘I would like to thank my dad and my grandpa for inspiring me and pushing me on this journey, and all the trainers at CITB, without whom this just would not have been possible.’

The awards were co-sponsored by construction equipment supplier Finning UK & Ireland and CITB.

Barry Dawson, customer engagement manager for Scotland at the CITB, said: ‘Eleanor was nominated by her National Construction College instructors as they are absolutely delighted with how she has progressed over the course of her apprenticeship and have tremendous confidence in their abilities. This award is testament to Eleanor’s hard work, commitment and determination and is thoroughly deserved.’

As well as the recognition – a complete surprise on the night – Eleanor was given a fantastic package provided by Finning.

It includes a full factory tour of the Caterpillar manufacturing facility for articulated dump trucks in Peterlee.

There, she will see the complete production line from sheet steel to a fully operational machine, be given the opportunity to drive the machines, and she will also receive an overnight stay in luxury accommodation with an evening dinner with Finning representatives and the president of SPOA.

Eleanor has her sights set on the top, aiming to take over the family business.