Gareth Strang, 23, from Stranraer has been awarded Apprentice Of The Year Award by oil and gas skills body OPITO.
He has demonstrated ‘outstanding ability and attitude’ during the 21-month college phase of the 45 month apprenticeship scheme, which has brought over 1,600 young people into the oil and gas industry since its inception in 1999.
The Oil and Gas Technical Apprentice Programme, now in its 16th year, sees students take part in a 20-month full time course at one of the industry-appointed colleges before starting a two year worksite placement.
Gareth said: “In this environment, I feel incredibly honoured and proud of what I have achieved what I have in such a short space of time. The other contestants were so impressive, I’m really surprised to have won.
“I’m extremely grateful for the experience I have gained and see myself as extremely lucky to be in this position. I found out about the opportunity to apply for the apprenticeship through friends, also from Stranraer, who had already completed it.
“In the future, I hope to become a senior mechanical technician, working my way up the ranks of an organisation. I also see myself working abroad.”
The next stage of Gareth’s apprenticeship will see him finish his HNC in mechanical engineering before completing the relevant safety courses and heading offshore and embarking on full-time working life.
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