We recently visited S+C Engineering Ltd in Kilmarnock to gain a better understanding of what Modern Apprentice’s mean to their business.
S+C Engineering Ltd provide a wide range of services to every Industry including Energy, Rail, Defence, Food Processing, Textile Manufacturing, Local Authority, Health Boards, Environmental Waste Management, Plant Hire, Transport, Printing, Construction, Agriculture, etc. they are proud to support Blue Chip Companies such as EDF Energy, BAE Global Combat Systems, GE Caledonian, Scottish Power Renewables, Scottish & Southern Energy, Wabtec Rail and Browns Food Group and many more. They are a professional, proactive family run Business, who treats every enquiry with the same level of commitment.
On our visit we met with Managing Director Alasdair MacKenzie. Alasdair served his Fabrication/Welding Apprenticeship with Smillie & Cuthbertson Ltd and purchased the Company from the retiring MD in 2006. Alasdair has 34 years’ experience in Engineering and specialises in research and development of bespoke Engineering solutions for their wide range of Customers. He enjoys a challenge, especially combining his love of innovation with traditional engineering.
S + C Engineering have always had apprentices within the company and there is great opportunities within the business for young people. Alasdair says that they like to take staff in from an early age and train them up in different disciplines within engineering. The things that they look for in a young person is a desire to work and show willingness to learn new skills.
On our visit we also met with two of S + C Engineering’s apprentices, 21 year old Ben Stewart and 19 year old Jason Andress. We interviewed them to hear about their journeys to where they are today and about the different experiences within their job roles.
Ben started out at the company as a Fabricating and Welding apprentice. He completed his 4 year apprenticeship and is now a fully qualified Logistics Controller with S + C Engineering. Ben undertakes general duties within the workplace. He deals with customers that are coming in and out of the trade counter making sure he has gathered all the information that is needed for the jobs that they are bringing in. He also organises and books in all the materials and parts that they have ordered.
Apprentice Fabricator and Welder Jason is currently in his 2nd year as an Apprentice. He currently helps out around the workshop and is progressing through his apprenticeship. Jason says the main benefits of an apprenticeship is that you are actually doing the job that you are learning and getting hands on experience rather than being at college. His advice to any young person who may be considering a career in this industry is that no job is the same and you are always learning and improving as a person as well as an engineer.
Ayrshire Modern Apprenticeship Community Challenge 2017
S+C Engineering were the overall winners of last year’s Modern Apprenticeship Community Challenge. The team of apprentices designed an interactive memory bench for Dundonald Nursing Home.
The Modern Apprenticeship Community Challenge now in its 15th year running involves teams of local apprentices to plan and carry out a project that will benefit their local community. Apprentices have from March until August to complete the challenge and submit a portfolio. Apprentices are then given the opportunity to participate in a free Presentation Skills workshop. The Challenge is coordinated by Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry and supported by Skills Development Scotland.
Following the success of the Ayrshire Modern Apprenticeship Community Challenge 2017 – Skills Development Scotland are rolling the challenge out nationally and the overall winners from each category were invited to go forward to a National final.
Well done to S+C Engineering on becoming national finalist at the first National Scottish Apprenticeship final 2018.
Watch our full interview with Managing Director Alasdair MacKenzie, Logistics Controller Ben Stewart and Apprentice Fabricator and Welder Jason Andress.
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