Two young people from Stornoway have been given the chance to get their foot on the career ladder with local companies, thanks to funding from wind farm developer Lewis Wind Power.
John Maciver & Sons and I A & C Maciver, which specialise in the supply of machinery and aggregate for construction and industry, have both welcomed a fully-funded apprentice for a three-year term. The funds from Lewis Wind Power aim to retain young talent on the island in support of Lewis’s burgeoning green energy industry.
Lewis Wind Power, a 50:50 joint venture between EDF Renewables UK and ESB, is the developer behind the Stornoway wind farm project which has consent in place for 33 turbines on land to the west of Stornoway, owned by The Stornoway Trust.
Following a recruitment process, the successful candidates started their apprenticeships in May and will be working with the respective companies to gain hands-on experience while studying at college.
Katie Morrison, aged 19, from Stornoway, is set to complete an apprenticeship in plant operations with specialist aggregate suppliers I A & C Maciver. Katie said: “It has been so exciting to take up my post as an apprentice plant operator. My hands-on experience with machinery in crofting has sparked my passion for industry, and I’m grateful for the chance to grow my skills locally through my apprenticeship with I A & C Maciver – a key player in our island economy.”
Ian Maciver, Director from I A & C Maciver, said: “Renewable energy offers a bright future for the Lewis economy, building on the skills and expertise already present in local companies. We are excited to support Katie as she embarks on this promising new career in machinery operations, thanks to this valued support from Lewis Wind Power.”
Joining the crane and plant hire business John Maciver & Sons as an apprentice crane operator is Rhys Parry, aged 22, who is training in crane operations, banksman skills and lift supervision. Rhys said: “I am incredibly grateful to all at John Maciver & Sons, as well as Lewis Wind Power, for providing this opportunity. I am already learning new skills, gaining operators’ tickets and building a career in a way which would never have been possible without this valuable support.”
Lewis Wind Power’s support for the new apprentices signals its ongoing commitment to long-term investment in skills and infrastructure in the local area, as the Stornoway wind farm project progresses towards pre-development works in the coming months.
Logan Black, Project Manager, at Lewis Wind Power said: “We are delighted to support Katie and Rhys as they start their careers in mechanics and operations with John Maciver & Sons and I A & C Maciver – both leading providers of logistical services which are key to the development of Lewis’s green energy industry.
“Through this initiative, we are proud to nurture the young talent which is so essential to the delivery of projects such as Stornoway wind farm, and invest in long-term, high quality employment opportunities on these islands.”
Since commencing work on island renewable energy with the Stornoway Trust and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in 2003, Lewis Wind Power has invested significantly in the development of the Stornoway wind farm project – including an annual sponsorship fund, which recently distributed £12,500 among 16 community projects and initiatives around Stornoway.
Once operational, the wind farm will have a capacity of up to 200MW, generating enough low carbon electricity to power approximately 115,000 homes*.