Case study - Arron
When many of us turn on a light switch or boil a kettle, we don’t give a second thought to the processes which make them work.
However, it’s thanks to people such as Arron Bell from Scottish and Southern Energy that we can rely on these home comforts. Part of Arron’s duties is to control the flow of water to over 100 different hydro-electric generators across Scotland from his control centre in Perth.
He works closely with the company’s energy traders to ensure that electricity is generated at the right time to meet demand, and that extra energy can be supplied to the National Grid if required.
It’s a position with a lot of responsibility, but Arron is well prepared for the demands of his job. He joined Scottish and Southern Energy as a Modern Apprentice electrical fitter after leaving high school nine years ago, and has gained a wide range of experience.
Like many apprentices, he spent the first year of his course at college on a National Certificate course learning the basics of the trade. He spent the next three years continuing to study while learning practical skills at power stations and generators across Scotland.
He learned how to service, maintain and install a wide range of vital equipment, and spent two years as a qualified electrical fitter.
Arron (26) said: "When I started my apprenticeship I wasn’t really thinking about the opportunities for career progression – I just wanted to be an electrician.
"I found that being an apprentice was the perfect way to combine study and practical experience, and the company also paid for me to complete two further HNCs.
"After a couple of years as a fitter, it felt natural to move on and become a Scheduling and Dispatch Engineer.
"It’s a great job that requires a lot of concentration and teamwork. I work closely with teams of other engineers on the ground at stations and generators to isolate and fix problems.
"The best part is that there are more senior positions for me to move in to when the time is right. It’s great to know that I have lots of opportunities to choose from."
For more information about Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland, visit the Modern Apprenticeships Summary Database.