Aberdeenshire’s Fraser Bruce who has been crowned Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year. The 28-year-old from Inverbervie won the title at Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) Scottish Apprenticeship Awards.
Fraser was recognised for developing lifesaving technology and delivering projects worth millions of pounds though his Graduate Apprenticeship with subsea operations and manufacturing firm, JFD Ltd.
Fraser, who was also the winner in the Graduate Apprentice of the Year category was awarded the trophy by Minister for Higher and Further Education Ben Macpherson at the ceremony held at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow on Thursday, 26 February.
Speaking on his win, Fraser said: “I can’t believe I’ve won, I really didn’t expect to receive this award and I’m totally overwhelmed. I’m really proud of myself.”
Having previously completed a Modern Apprenticeship with Michelin Tyres in Dundee, Fraser persuaded JFD bosses that the apprenticeship in Engineering: Design and Manufacture (Electronic) offered by Heriot Watt University would have an impact on the business.
Fraser used his new skills to develop JFD products and he led on the delivery of over £2.2million of commercial diving and defence products over the last four years.
Other talented apprentices, apprentice employers and learning providers were recognised at the glittering awards ceremony attended by over 250 guests.
Alasdair McMonagle from Glasgow was given the Chair’s award, in recognition of overcoming huge challenges to navigate a successful career at BAE Systems.
Alasdair was treated for a neurological brain injury in his youth and seeing BAE ships at Scotstoun from the hospital sparked an interest in shipbuilding.
Having secured a Graduate Apprenticeship in Engineering Design and Manufacture with BAE and the University of Strathclyde, Alasdair’s decisions have avoided costly rework and improved processes that have been embedded across his team.
Other award winners included Foundation Apprentice of the Year Hannah McGill from Portlethen; Modern Apprentice of the Year SCQF Level 5, Sam Anderson from Falkirk; Modern Apprentice of the Year SCQF Level 6 and above, Alice Fairbairn from Glasgow; and Supporting Net Zero Apprentice of the Year, Kiera Wright from Forres.
Apprentice employers and learning providers were also recognised, with Procast Group picking up the title of SME Employer of the Year; SP Energy Networks named Large Employer of the Year; and Xtra-Mile.com winning for Leading in Learning Provision.
