Positive Destinations Delivered for Pre-Apprentice Welders

Following the successful completion of the pre-apprenticeship welders and fabricators programme delivered in partnership with North East Scotland College and the Energy Skills Partnership (ESP), over half of the cohort of 15 participants have progressed into modern apprenticeships – a significant achievement for Scotland’s next generation of skilled tradespeople.

The scheme, launched earlier this year, was designed to tackle the skills gap in welding and fabrication, providing participants with hands-on training and industry insight. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive:

Logan, now a full-time apprentice pipefitter at Forsyths Ltd, commented: “Overall it was a great experience with great help from all aspects of the course.”

Lincoln, now a full-time apprentice stainless welder/fabricator at Fraserburgh Engineering Co. Ltd, said: “As a whole, the course was excellent, lots of opportunity, and the lecturers were brilliant.”

Rocco, a full-time apprentice plater at Dales Marine Services Ltd, added: “Had a great time at college, the Ocean Winds course was a great opportunity, and the department as a whole was fantastic.”

Maximising offshore wind skills is a key element in Scotland’s journey towards net-zero, and initiatives like this pre-apprenticeship programme are helping to address critical skills shortages in fabrication and welding, ensuring the next generation of engineers are ready to meet future industry demands.