Lanarkshire electrician wins Apprentice of the Year award

A YOUNG electrician from Lanarkshire has been awarded the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) Apprentice of the Year 2024.

Scott Ahern, 27, from East Kilbride, secured the top spot in the national competition, which is held in conjunction with Edmundson Electrical, in recognition of his “unprecedented enthusiasm” for the electrical trade.

Scott was presented with the award and a £1,000 voucher by SJIB chair Jock Simpson during a ceremony at the Edinburgh Marriott Hotel on Wednesday, October 9.

Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon was also present as the event’s guest speaker.

Catherine Gillon, secretary of the SJIB and director of employment affairs at SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade body, said: “Scott has triumphed in an extremely close field after showing an unprecedented degree of commitment, dedication and enthusiasm.

“Apprentices are the great hope for the sector’s future, and this award recognises and celebrates the very best of our new talent.

“This accolade also recognises the contribution that Scott and his fellow apprentices will make in our transition to net zero and the electrification of society.

“As technology continues to advance, Scott and his peers will go forward as an elite band of professionals who will hold the smooth running of the future in their hands.”

Scott, who works for DRB UK Maintenance Ltd in Hamilton, completed his studies at New College Lanarkshire’s Motherwell Campus.

Reflecting on his win, he said: “My electrical apprenticeship has been very challenging but also extremely rewarding, so this award is the icing on the cake and makes all the hard work worthwhile.

“It was a huge surprise – but also a huge honour – to be selected from among my fellow apprentices, many of whom I know to be really talented professionals.”

Jason Boyle, electrical project manager at DRB UK, said: “Scott has worked long and hard over the course of his apprenticeship and very much deserves his place in the spotlight.

“He is dedicated to his profession and is a perfect example of the quick, skilful and effective people we want to see coming into the industry.”

Finalists Jake Stewart, 22, from Dundee, and Sean Bermingham, 33, from Strathpeffer, were also honoured at the event.

Both received vouchers and top-of-the-range Megger multi-function testers for their outstanding efforts.

Derek Allen, Scottish regional director of Edmundson Electrical, commended all three finalists for their hard work and dedication.

He said: “Scott and his fellow finalists have every reason to be proud of their achievements, which reflect the hard work and dedication demonstrated throughout their apprenticeships.”

Founded in 1969, the SJIB oversees the regulation of employment standards, safety, and training within Scotland’s electrical industry, in collaboration with SELECT and Unite the Union.