Second Gold Award for Aberdeen Apprentice

19 March 2016

A talented Aberdeen apprentice has been given a national award two years running,.

Graeme Baird, who stays in Torry, was hailed best 2and year electrical apprentice in Scotland at a glamorous award ceremony in Dunblane.

The 26-year-old has claimed the title for the second time, having won best first year electrical apprentice in 2015.

Aberdeen City Council put forward four apprentices for the APSE Scottish Apprentice of the Year 2016.

Michael Spence, 18, who stays in Stonehaven, also made it through to the final stages this year.

He was named runner-up for Best 1st Year Plumbing Apprentice.

Aberdeen City Council Communities, Housing and Infrastructure convener Councillor Neil Cooney, said: "It is crucial that we continue to invest in the workforce of the future and provide first class training and employment initiatives through our modern apprenticeship and trainee scheme.

"The talent coming through our scheme is undeniable and I wish to congratulate all of those who represented Aberdeen at this year's awards – both participants and the staff who work with them."

All four apprentices had to present a portfolio reflecting their work on the scheme, any awards they have won, an essay and copies of college reports.

Site reviews were also carried out to witness the potential finalists at their workplace.

The apprenticeship schemes last four years and provide on-the-job training for those looking to gain skills necessary for employment.

The APSE local authority apprentice and trainee awards scheme is open to candidates from all stages of training and have been running successfully for 15years throughout the UK.

In 2015, Daniel Webster of Tullos Training College won the Gold Award from Wrights & Coopers as Best Joinery Advanced Craft Student and Craig Paterson won 2nd Year Best Plumbing Apprentice.