It’s National Apprenticeship Week (10 to 16 February), an opportunity to highlight the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy. And of course it’s a chance to shine the light on our own Engineering Apprentices.
Shaun and Morgan are both in their fourth and final year of their apprenticeships with NLB. They combine study at Forth Valley College with practical on the job training out on site.
Shaun Kavanagh, Electrical Engineering Apprentice
“The highlight for me has been an offshore trip to Chicken Rock Lighthouse where I was tasked along with others to install a new auxiliary battery bank. This was a standout for me as the logistics of this task were very different from anything I had been involved with before.”
Shaun is pictured below at St Abbs Head Lighthouse with Mechanical Technician Neil.
Morgan Dennison, Mechanical Engineering Apprentice
“My highlight of the apprenticeship has been the opportunity to travel around Scotland learning about the functions of lighthouses and the ways and means of travel such as helicopter or ship. I have been involved in maintenance on the Northern Lighthouse Board vessel PHAROS stripping down the main engines, and more recently I was on the launch of the new POLE STAR in Spain.”
Morgan is currently on a 3 month placement at GONDAN Shipbuilders in Spain where our new vessel is being built. At GONDAN he has had the opportunity to learn about the various aspects of the ship building process.
“I have learned about the drawing system and how they are used to make the different parts of the ship. I have also looked into the piping systems on what they are used for and how they work.
“I also attended a welding course and this was a great opportunity to learn new techniques that the welders use to produce strong welds. Now I am learning about the fitting process to the ship building, where we are fitting the pieces together and tacking them in place to be welded later.
“I am only a month into my 3 month placement with GONDAN and I am really enjoying the experience of the ship building process. I’ll be able to apply the skills I’m learning here into my career and they will put me a step ahead in my craft.”
Morgan is pictured below with his mentor at GONDAN, on PHAROS and on the new POLE STAR.
