It’s National Apprentice Week this week and there’s no better way to get involved than to speak to one of our very own apprentices, Scott Duncan!
We asked Scott a few questions about his time at Peel Ports Group and what the future holds for him.
Tell us a little about yourself; what were you doing before you started your apprenticeship?
I’m 20 years old and enjoy watching and playing football. I’ve always been interested in becoming an engineer for quite some time. Before starting my apprenticeship, I had left school and was studying HNC Electrical Engineering before being put through my Higher National Diploma (HND) by Peel Ports.
Which apprenticeship course are you studying?
I am studying for an Electrical Apprenticeship and currently working towards my HND Electrical Engineering qualification, as well as my Level 3 Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ), as I have already received my Level 2 Certificate earlier this year.
When do you complete your apprenticeship and what goals do you have thereafter?
After my apprenticeship, I intend to continue to grow my knowledge and hopefully undertake more courses that can further my education. I am also hopeful that I can gain experience over this time and improve myself as an Engineer both electrically and mechanically.
Tell us what you enjoy most about being an apprentice at Peel Ports?
I enjoy working on various pieces of machinery day to day, whether that be on the cranes or even shed lighting systems. This allows me to develop a wealth of knowledge on different electrical systems and helps me to understand different aspects of how things work and their application
What is your greatest achievement at Peel Ports so far i.e. what are you most proud of?
Obtaining my Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations is something that I am proud of as it was my first qualification that I got at Peel Ports through the training company, Train’d Up. I am also proud of completing jobs each day which, makes it better when being able to diagnosis faults and finding a solution.
What kind of support do you receive as an apprentice?
As an apprentice I receive various support from my knowledgeable and vast experienced journeymen. They are there to support me throughout my apprenticeship and answer any queries I might have. They can also help me with college work as many have previously gone through the apprenticeship scheme with Peel Ports.
Do you have any advice you would give others thinking about taking an apprenticeship with Peel Ports, and would you recommend completing an apprenticeship to others?
The advice I would give is to ‘go for it’. The apprenticeship with Peel Ports is a great opportunity for upcoming engineers both electrically and mechanically. It will give you good grounding about an engineering environment, as well as helping you to gain your HNC and HND at college. This apprenticeship will also allow you to see all aspects of engineering which will give you’re a great experience.
To find out more about the apprentice opportunities at Peel Ports, click here.