Fifer Iona McGhie was inspired by her grandad to get into engineering, and that is the career path she is now on, working as a Graduate Apprentice with drinks giant Diageo as she studies for her degree in Mechanical Engineering with Edinburgh’s Heriot Watt University.
Her exceptional efforts were recognised at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, held last week in Aberdeen, where she received the Modern Apprentice of the Year SCQF Level 6+ gong.
Speaking about her win, Iona said: “I am absolutely over the moon to win this award because I feel like I’ve worked so hard and it’s just an honour to be recognised for the things I’ve done at work and how hard I’ve put myself into what I’m doing.
“I’ve learned so much through my apprenticeship and the confidence I have gained through it has been unreal.”
Iona is hoping her path through Scottish Apprenticeships will inspire other young women to get into a career in science, technology, engineering or maths.
Iona added: “My grandad inspired me to get into engineering, letting me join him at his work bench to hammer nails and saw things – I just loved working with my hands.
“I want to be that inspiration for other young women to think about STEM careers, because I just love what I do.”
The 23-year-old completed a Foundation Apprenticeship at Kirkland High School in Leven before progressing on to a Modern Apprenticeship with Diageo, at their packaging plant in Leven, whilst studying an HNC in Mechanical Engineering at Fife College.
Fife College modern apprenticeship development partner, Roseanne Somerville, said: “We are so proud to have played a role in Iona’s apprenticeship journey which serves as an inspiring example for young women considering a career in STEM.
“An exceptional apprentice whose commitment and attitude to her studies were always exemplary, Iona has developed into a confident and competent engineer. She is more than deserving of her Modern Apprentice of the Year award which I am sure will give her an extra boost as she continues her career.”
Diageo capability manager, Rhoda Gabellone, said: “Iona absolutely embraced the whole apprenticeship. She won everyone over and went above and beyond.
“She is a very proactive learner, always keen to progress, and is a natural at coaching and mentoring the younger apprentices who are coming through.
“Apprentices bring new ways of thinking and working, a drive and eagerness to learn and they help us to future proof our business by bringing new skills.”
Minister for Energy, Just Transition and Fair Work Gillian Martin, who spoke at the Aberdeen event, said: “Apprenticeships are a vital part of Scotland’s skills system, and key to supporting our young people into rewarding careers, while helping others upskill, reskill and progress in their chosen careers.
“The Scottish Government’s priority is to ensure that our apprenticeships are of high quality and lead to sustainable employment opportunities with fair work principles at the core.”
Modern Apprenticeships are jobs open to anyone aged 16 and over who wants to work, learn and earn. Modern Apprentices spend most of their time learning in the workplace while being supported by a local college or specialist training provider to gain an industry recognised qualification.
