North-east apprentice and firms reach final of Scottish Apprenticeship Awards
A talented chef scouted for Michelin-star training on her Modern Apprenticeship also swapped silver service for charitable work to feed more than 10,000 people.
Rachel Michie’s one of three finalists from across Aberdeen City and Shire at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards.
The gongs will be handed out in a ceremony in Perth on Thursday, February 27, in the run up to Scottish Apprenticeship Week (March 3-7).
Chef Rachel, who’s a finalist in the Modern Apprentice of the Year SCQF Level 5 category sponsored by Arnold Clark, joined ESS, part of Compass Group UK and Ireland, when she was 16 and works across the energy, government and infrastructure sectors.
Rachel applied for a Modern Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery SCQF Level 5 because she knew it would enable her to learn on the job.
Commis chef Rachel (27) said: “I really enjoyed cooking with Mum when I was younger and now I love using the skills and techniques I’ve learned on my apprenticeship to create new dishes for clients.”
In June 2023 she was selected for a 12-week internship working alongside chef Stevie McLaughlin at two Michelin-starred Restaurant Andrew Fairlie – an opportunity she describes as “the best experience ever”.
Rachel regularly supports events outside her day-to-day role, and in 2023 alone, she helped to prepare more than 10,000 meals for charities across Aberdeenshire.
This included joining a team of ESS volunteers that Christmas to prepare and deliver 4500 meals for those in need.
Rachel added: “I feel happy and proud to help local charities and I know the people we cook for really appreciate the food and that it makes a difference.”
Civil engineering and construction firm W M Donald Ltd is building its business from the ground up, with apprentices laying solid foundations for its future. It’s a finalist in the SME Employer of the Year category.
Since introducing apprenticeships in 2021, the firm has seen its turnover steadily increase to more than £60 million.
Apprenticeships have created a steady flow of professional, skilled workers who are critical to the Aberdeenshire company’s expansion.
They are also supporting W M Donald’s sustainability goals through training in environmentally responsible methods and helping to maintain its three years carbon neutral operations.
Rachel O’Donnell, human resources manager at W M Donald, said: “Apprenticeships are central to our success.
“They’ve contributed to our impressive turnover and play a crucial role in ensuring we have a diverse and sustainable talent pipeline.
“Young people are the future, and we need to believe and invest in them.”
W M Donald’s commitment extends beyond its own success – the firm is working to strengthen the entire industry.
To address a lack of relevant apprenticeships locally, W M Donald created its own vocational programme in partnership with local firms Leiths, JKR, Nicol and Hunter Construction.
Scottish Apprenticeships have reduced costs and improved productivity at the global energy and materials firm Wood.
It’s a finalist in the Large Employer of the Year Category, sponsored by the SQA.
Employing apprentices has delivered significant measurable business benefits for the firm, including a steady flow of homegrown professionals, which has reduced recruitment costs, with employees trained to meet specific operational needs.
Apprentices play a vital role in Wood’s energy transition projects, gaining hands-on experience in hydrogen production, offshore wind and other renewable initiatives.
Apprentice training also incorporates environmentally friendly practices, directly supporting Wood’s sustainability strategy and net zero goals.
Gayle Mowat, senior people development adviser at Wood, said: “Apprentices are the next generation of leaders who will drive our business forward, ensuring we remain at the forefront of both traditional and renewable energy sectors.”
Since becoming an apprentice employer in 2015, Wood has hired more than 70 apprentices through APTUS (formerly the Oil and Gas Technical Apprenticeship Programme) in collaboration with Forth Valley College. The partnership boasts a 98 per cent completion and retention rate.
Visit apprenticeships.scot/awards to find out more about the award finalists and the event.
