PEOPLE & CULTURE: Meet McGowan #5 - Apprentices Cameron & Finlay

7 March 2022

In the fifth instalment of our ‘Meet McGowan’ series, and in recognition of Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2022 which runs from 7-11 March, we’d like to introduce two of our current apprentices, Cameron Murray and Finlay McNeish.

Both Cameron and Finlay joined the McGowan Modern Apprenticeship Programme in July 2021 and have already gained a lot of valuable experience within a relatively short space of time.

Cameron is 18, from Aviemore and attended Kingussie High School. Cameron said:

“I was a window cleaner for a short time before joining McGowan and thankfully my persistence paid off as I kept in regular contact with the company to make sure I didn’t miss their apprenticeship opportunities! Although the apprenticeship wage rate isn’t exactly amazing, the experience is brilliant and we are really well looked after at McGowan. The work can be hard and the weather is tough at times but we get to visit some amazing places and it was great to be in a helicopter for a recent peatland restoration job.”

Finlay is 16, from Aviemore and attended Kingussie High School. Finlay commented:

“I decided to leave school early as I was keen to get into employment. I had heard that McGowan were looking for apprentices so I drafted my CV and submitted it to the company. After a few calls and an interview I was delighted to get the opportunity to join McGowan last summer. I’ve really enjoyed my time here and have already gained experience in stonework, peatland restoration and footpath building although I do prefer working on the machines! With projects all over the country it’s a great chance to see new places and meet new people.”

Cameron and Finlay travelled to the National Construction College (East) in Norfolk last week to attend the second block of the CITB in Plant Operation course. The course includes 13-weeks of training and assessment and once successfully completed, both will receive their certificates and Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) trained operator blue cards. Cameron said:

“The course has been brilliant so far and I enjoy the mix of classroom learning with practical experience on the machinery. The accommodation is great and even the food is nice!”

Finlay went on to add:

“The course is interesting and I’m keen to learn as much as possible. There are apprentices from other companies here with us so it’s good to find out about other careers, businesses and get a broader perspective of the industry.”

Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2022 shines a light on the vital role apprenticeships play in supporting people, employers and the economy. This year’s theme is Apprenticeships Work, with the aim to highlight how apprenticeships are providing the skills employers need now and for the future. To find out more about how Scottish Apprenticeships work and how to get involved visit... www.apprenticeships.scot

Since McGowan Environmental Engineering was created in 2009 we have continued to grow organically and are fully committed to nurturing, training and developing our workforce. While we invest in young people and offer modern apprenticeships, we also offer opportunities for promotion and career development throughout the company.

Associated Media Coverage:

• THE SPOA SPENDS TIME WITH APPRENTICES AT THE NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION COLLEGE