Moray represented at Scottish Apprenticeship Awards

Moray will be represented by two people at this year's Scottish Apprenticeship Awards.

Bethany Welsh, of Forres, is a finalist in the Graduate Apprentice Rising Star category, while Douglas Andrew, from Elgin, is a contender in the Apprentice Instructor of the Year category.

Douglas, NHS Grampian's learning and development manager, is based at Aberdeen’s Royal Infirmary and at Dr Gray’s Hospital, Elgin. Bethany is an engineering graduate apprentice at Balfour Beatty.

Now into its 18th year, the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards bring together apprentices, employers and learning providers to celebrate the contributions apprenticeships make to the economy

All 26 finalists will be travelling to the awards, which take place on November 7 in Dundee’s Caird Hall. One will then be named Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year 2019.

Bethany (22) said: "My friends and family are so proud of me. It’s overwhelming to be a finalist and I can’t wait for the night.

"Being a modern and then graduate apprentice has changed my life. Getting the opportunity to work on a project from start to finish is amazing – it’s so rewarding to get to drive over bridges that I’ve actually helped create.

The former Forres Academy pupil insists engineering is not what many may think, and encourages girls to get involved. She added: "Engineering isn’t this dirty industry that it’s sometimes portrayed as - I wouldn’t say being a female has affected me in any way.

"Balfour Beatty have really given me the opportunity to evolve as a person. Everyone on site has been really welcoming to me and I’ve always been made to feel like one of the team."

Douglas was nominated for the award by NHS Grampian Head of Workforce Development Gerry Lawrie, who described him as "engaging and enthusiastic".

He admitted he was surprised, but delighted, to be nominated. He said: "I think apprenticeships are so important. For NHS Grampian it helps us maintain our workforce for the future and gives young people the opportunity to train for a professional career.

"Becoming an apprentice is a real worthwhile thing to consider. It is not just from a personal development point of view, but apprentices also add value to the organisation and the lives of the people we are trying to help."

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