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A Heriot-Watt student has been crowned Apprentice Ambassador of the Year at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards 2018.
Ryan O'Connor from Bathgate in West Lothian was presented with the title at a recent ceremony in Perth Concert Hall.
The 24-year-old, who is a strong advocate of apprenticeships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), successfully progressed from a Modern Apprenticeship into the hugely popular Graduate Apprenticeship programme at Heriot-Watt University with his employer Jacobs UK.
Our Graduate Apprenticeship programme continues to highlight stories of success throughout our student body, which only goes to show the tremendous talent we have here.
Ryan was fast-tracked into year two of a BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering course at the University after completing a specialist construction course last year.
He explained: “We went to Breadalbane School last year to help get fourth fifth and sixth years get ready for the work environment.
“We did different things, such as mock interviews and CV writing. I did a presentation on what it's been like for me coming through the apprenticeship and explaining to young people that going straight from school to university isn't the only way to get into this profession.”
Passing on her congratulations is Dr Gill Murray, Deputy Principal Enterprise and Business at Heriot-Watt, who said: “Well done Ryan on this terrific achievement.
“Our Graduate Apprenticeship programme continues to highlight stories of success throughout our student body, which only goes to show the tremendous talent we have here.”
Heriot-Watt is the largest provider of Graduate Apprenticeships in Scotland.
Since its introduction last year, the number of GA student places at Heriot-Watt has grown to 175 while the number of degree programmes has also increased to seven covering a range of subjects including Business Management as well as Construction and Civil Engineering.
A total of 70 employers from across the country have now signed-up to the exciting new education initiative, which allows individuals to study for degree qualifications whilst in paid employment.
By Craig McManamon
T: 0131 451 8099
E: c.mcmanamon@hw.ac.uk