UHI Argyll student reaches finals of Scottish Apprenticeship Awards
A UHI Argyll student has been named as a finalist in this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Awards.
Ruairidh Neilly, who is currently working towards his Modern Apprenticeship in Aquaculture at SCQF Level 7 and works with Bakkafrost out of their shore base at Portavadie in Cowal, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Modern Apprentice of the Year SCQF Level 5 category.
These Awards celebrate the incredible work of Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprentices. They also recognise the dedicated employers, learning providers and individuals who champion apprenticeships.
Dawn Miller, Apprenticeship Manager at UHI Argyll said: "We are delighted that Ruairidh has reached the finals of these awards. They are extremely competitive so to be recognised in this way is a great result."
In his employers’ words, "Ruairidh is exactly what the fish farming industry needs – a dedicated, passionate, skilled worker whose enthusiasm radiates throughout his work. His commitment to improving work practices, constantly learning and developing new skills, and ambition to succeed makes Ruairidh an ideal candidate for this award, as it is clear that the apprenticeship opportunity has ignited a spark in Ruairidh to follow his ambition and create an incredible career in the industry."
Ruairidh was nominated by his SVQ assessor, Murray Stark, who said, "Ruairidh should be immensely proud of himself – he embodies Bakkafrost’s values by being reliable, respectful, persistent, efficient, and ambitious; he consistently spends his own time reflecting on and testing working practice improvements before implementing them with the whole team."
UHI Argyll’s Apprenticeship programmes provide employers with a fully-funded pathway for current employees and new recruits.
Modern Apprenticeships enable employers to invest in their staff and develop their workforce by supporting staff to build their skills to industry standards.
UHI Argyll offers a range of Modern Apprenticeships in Aquaculture, Business and Administration, Customer Care, Hairdressing, Horticulture, Hospitality, Maritime and Social Services and Healthcare.
Winners of the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards will be announced during Scottish Apprenticeship Week, from 4 - 8 March 2024.