The attraction of gaining useful skills that employers want appealed to Sam
Sam Robertson is an apprentice electrician at Scotia Homes’ Dubford site in Aberdeenshire
“There’ll always be work for electricians,” Sam says. “Electrical systems have a complexity that I like. It keeps me interested and means I’ll enjoy my career in the long term.
“I didn’t have any experience in electrics at all before I started. But I’m keen, hard-working and willing to learn—that’s what they’re looking for in the application.
“I was actually a professional footballer before this. I played for Aberdeen FC under-20s. My contract came to an end, but for me the professional side of things took the joy out of the game, so I didn’t take it further as a career. I still play for fun in my spare time.
“I have absolutely no regrets about doing an apprenticeship instead. I love doing hands-on stuff and being outdoors and I do laugh on a daily basis. I think it’s made me a happier person.
“With my qualification, I could continue working for Scotia, or go self-employed, or maybe take my skills abroad. My parents worked overseas and I think it would be a great thing to do.”
To find out more about apprenticeships at CITB, visit www.citb.co.uk/construction-apprentice
