SSE: an apprentice’s view

It's National Apprentice Week and the utilities are getting involved. SSE trainee wind turbine technician Katy Fraser shares her experience.

I started my apprenticeship with SSE back in September last year and in just six months I’ve come a long way. 

So my message to others, thinking about becoming an apprentice at SSE, would be to go for it, because it’s a really good scheme.

I know that the deadline for the 2014 scheme is Friday, but believe me it’s worth getting an application in. 

The fact that this week is National Apprenticeship Week is also good, because it showcases how these schemes benefit both individuals and the companies who offer them. 

Before being accepted for this apprenticeship scheme I was working in a local gift shop and wanted a change of career – a job that would challenge me both physically and mentally.   

I visited a small hydro station and wanted to learn more about the technical side and other types of renewable energy. I looked on the SSE website and was pleased to find that they were looking for apprentices in my local area. 

I applied and was delighted when I found out that, along with over 50 others in Scotland, I was successful for the 2013/14 programme. 

My first year has been based at Fife College, after this I will be combining my theoretical study with site-based, hands-on experience on site at Griffin Wind Farm. It’s a great way of combining both practical and classroom style learning. 

One of the other things that has impressed me has been how much all the new apprentices are mixed together. It can seem a bit daunting at first, but everyone gets together from the word go, so you soon find yourself making friends. 

I’ve learnt a lot in six months. Safety is key to an organisation like SSE and underpins everything that goes on here. I’ve also learnt about meteorology, electrical theory, not to mention wind turbine theory. You could say it’s an education in itself!

I’ve been keeping a blog of my time at SSE because sharing my experiences is the best way of encouraging others to consider coming on board. From my time at SSE I can only say: so far, so good.