This week, during Scottish Apprenticeship Week, the association’s President, Callum Mackintosh, and Vice President, John Sibbald, spent the day at the National Construction College in Norfolk, where they met the current crop of apprentices who were starting their four-week block at the College.

From left to right: Deklyn Feather, Dean Johnson, Aidan Nisbet, Jack Nicolson, Finlay Mcneish, Cameron Murray, Callum Mackintosh

Six plant operator apprentices from Scotland are currently undergoing an intensive four weeks at the College as part of their Plant Operator Apprenticeships.

Speaking about the apprentices, Callum Mackintosh said: “It was great to spend time with such a diverse and enthusiastic group of young people at the beginning of their career path in construction. There are four apprentices from the Shetland Islands and two from Aviemore, both John and I were impressed by their attitude and willingness to learn.”

This was a sentiment echoed by Simon Davies, one of the plant instructors and assessors at the National Construction College, who added: “The current cohort of six is at different progress levels within the 360 excavator delivery, but each apprentice is progressing well, keen to learn and very supportive of their peers.

“Timekeeping and politeness to all CITB staff is at a very high level and all apprentices have completed the 87 CPCS theory questions, achieving high marks which demonstrates their commitment to revision out with training hours. All six are demonstrating a very good attitude to learning the new skills on offer and all appreciate this fantastic opportunity they have been provided.

“Once competence is demonstrated during training towards the assessment criteria, learners will be continually challenged with new site orientated tasks, this will ensure the learners are as ‘site ready’ as possible.

“The apprentices were pleased that the President and Vice President of SPOA took the time to visit this week and show an interest in their progress and also share their personal thoughts around the programme delivery.

“Recruitment is vitally important to ensure the right candidates are selected for this opportunity and the apprentices fully understand the opportunity they have been provided.”

Meet the apprentices

We caught up with the apprentices this week to find out more about them and their ambitions for the future.

Deklyn Feather, Plant Operator Apprentice at EMN Plant LTD Shetland Islands

How did you get into your apprenticeship? 

I’ve always had an interest in plant. This was a chance to gain many tickets and recognised qualifications.

What apprenticeship are you following and how far through it are you?

I am following Plant Operator apprenticeship and am in week two of my second block at college.

What are you enjoying most about your apprenticeship?

Operating new and large plant with very helpful and knowledgeable instructors.

What are your ambitions for the future?

My ultimate goal would be to operate all types of plant in Antarctica on British Antarctic Survey bases.

What advice would you give to anybody else thinking about starting a career in this industry?

If you have even a small amount of interest in this area, do it. The skills you learn and the discipline you put yourself through to gain the qualifications are worth it.

Aidan Nisbet

How did you get into your apprenticeship? 

I got into my apprenticeship through work when they offered to put me through a plant operator course.

What apprenticeship are you following and how far through it are you?

I’m following a Plant Operator apprenticeship and I’m about halfway through it.

What are you enjoying most about your apprenticeship?

What I enjoy most about the apprenticeship is that it’s very practical and you spend a lot of time on different machines.

What are your ambitions for the future?

My ambitions are to further develop my skills as a plant operator and then take my skills to work in a different country like Australia or Canada.

What advice would you give to anybody else thinking about starting a career in this industry?

Go for it because it’s very enjoyable and you don’t know where you might be working next. You get to see different places and meet good people.

Dean Johnson

How did you get into your apprenticeship?

I got into my apprenticeship by chance really. I’d been working at a fish factory and saw jobs advertised at EMN for experienced operators. I emailed to find out more and was lucky enough to get an apprenticeship.

What apprenticeship are you following and how far through it are you?

I’m doing a Plant Operator apprenticeship and I’m nine months through the programme.

What are you enjoying most about your apprenticeship?

Being hands-on and driving the plant.

What are your ambitions for the future?

My ambitions are to have a successful career as a plant operator because I do really enjoy it.

What advice would you give to anybody else thinking about starting a career in this industry?

If you have the slightest interest in any plant, then choose this career. You will get a very wide range of work and operate many different machines. I think it is also a career that is well respected and if you keep your tickets up to date it’s almost impossible to be out of work.

Jack Nicolson

How did you get into your apprenticeship? 

I’d been working for Tulloch Developments for four years prior to this apprenticeship and had been told what a great course it was. I had missed the deadline for that year but managed to get on to this course.

What apprenticeship are you following and how far through it are you?

I’m on the Plant Operator course at the CITB Bircham-Newton College, I’m now two weeks through the second block.

What are you enjoying most about your apprenticeship?

I would definitely say that driving and working with plant is the most enjoyable part of this apprenticeship. I am also really enjoying getting to know other apprentices on the course.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I’ve always wanted to work abroad, and I’ve heard from a few people in the industry that Australia and New Zealand have got the most opportunities for plant operators at the moment. I’d love to go over there for a year to try it.

What advice would you give to anybody else thinking about starting a career in this industry?

It’s definitely a great line of work to be in because you’ll never be out of a job. There are always companies that need skilled plant operators, and you definitely gain all the right skills for this industry by following this course.

Cameron Murray

How did you get into your apprenticeship? 

I managed to gain my apprenticeship through Mcgowans after lots of correspondence and keeping in touch.

What apprenticeship are you following and how far through it are you?

I am an apprentice Plant Operator and have managed to get three tickets so far including front tipping dumper, slinger signaller and articulated dumper truck. I am currently getting my 360 excavator and then will be aiming for the roller, telehandler and tractor tickets.

What are you enjoying most about your apprenticeship?

I enjoy learning on the job but also having the experience of coming down to the CITB College has been really good.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I want to get all of my tickets and then move away and work abroad.

What advice would you give to anybody else thinking about starting a career in this industry?

I would say don’t be afraid to get in touch with companies, make enquiries and find out what opportunities there are – that’s how I ended up with my apprenticeship. It could be one the best things you ever do.

The course

Over this four week block, the apprentices will receive comprehensive training on tracked excavators in real-world conditions on the impressive 350-acre training facility. A variety of excavators are used on site between 13t and 22t from brands such as CASE, Hyundai and JCB. This helps the apprentices develop and fine-tune their skills and, as all the machines handle differently, a broader range of familiarisation is achieved this way.

We will continue to follow the progress of the apprentices over the course of this year.

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