NCC’s Andrew wins Plant Mechanic Apprentice of the Year award

Solution-seeking Andrew Manson has been named Plant Mechanic Apprentice of the Year.

Andrew, an apprentice at CITB’s National Construction College in Inchinnan received his prestigious award at the Scottish Plant Owner’s association annual dinner in February.

Andrew, who began his career as a labourer, is studying a Plant Mechanic Level 2 apprenticeship course while working for A&D Sutherland Ltd in Caithness.

Andrew says he enjoys solving plant-related problems and working on the tools.
Here’s what he had to say about life as an apprentice…

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

I’ve enjoyed working on things and problem-solving since a young age although I went down a different career path out of school. I got a job as a quarry labourer at A&D Sutherland, I then had an opportunity to apply for an apprenticeship.

What are the best parts of job or the ones that you find most interesting/ enjoyable?

The part of the job I enjoy the most is when I am given the task of diagnosing a fault on a machine which will not start or function as it should. I work through it methodically, coming to my conclusions, then I repair it so the machine drives as it should.

What are the toughest challenges you have faced while you are completing your apprenticeship?

A few challenges have been during the job itself: out on site trying to diagnose faults and also being away from my wife for periods of time while attending college in Inchinnan.

What are your career goals once you complete your apprenticeship?

My career goals are to stay on the tools because I enjoy working on and repairing things. Hopefully I will be able to receive future specialist training on diagnostic equipment to allow myself to be better equipped for my job.

What advice would you have for someone thinking about a career in construction or doing an apprenticeship with NCC?

My advice would be to give it a go. It may be hard work and the conditions more challenging, but it is worth it for the satisfaction you get from successfully completing a difficult job and gaining knowledge that you can use in the future.

The SCOA awards are co-sponsored by JCB and CITB. To read more on Andrew’s award please click here.