Future bright as Forres-based AES Solar steps up recruitment
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FORRES-BASED manufacturer AES Solar has stepped up recruitment over the past 18 months despite pandemic disruption, welcoming 10 new team members.
The solar panel company has more than doubled in size in the past five years.
AES Solar was back in full operation in August after ceasing non-essential operations during lockdown in April last year. No employees were made redundant during the pandemic.
Its new starts include an operations co-ordinator, graduate electrical engineer, solar installer and solar electrician, who all joined the company in the latter half of 2020.
This year the firm filled two positions in manufacturing and administration through the UK Government's Kickstart Scheme.
AES Solar is also a firm supporter of modern apprenticeships. It has used the scheme nine times to date, hiring an additional warehousing modern apprentice this year.
A more recent addition to the team includes a full-time maintenance co-ordinator.
In September the firm welcomed its first female engineer, who will start as a graduate apprentice, studying engineering while working full-time.
A second solar installer makes up the final recruit to date. They will join a now three-person installation team in the north of Scotland.
All new staff will play a valuable part in increasing operational capacity.
The company currently employs 28 members of staff. It already has plans in the pipeline to take on more employees in the near future, with five potential job openings on the horizon for 2022.
Managing director George Goudsmit said: "There is no denying these past 18 months have been hard.
"I am so delighted to welcome these 10 new members of staff to the team. Their fresh perspective and ideas will benefit staff, customers, and the local community alike.
"The renewables industry is an exciting sector to work in and it's here to stay. Its resilience to the Covid-19 pandemic has shown that. This is part of a larger picture and a growing acceptance to tackle the climate crisis.
"I cannot wait to work alongside these new recruits and continue to grow the team both in the foreseeable future and for many years to come."
Founded in 1979, AES Solar is one of the oldest manufacturers of solar thermal collectors in Western Europe.
