Moray apprentices score a series of outstanding results

Apprentices with Moray firms have achieved a series of outstanding results this year in various contests that test their professional abilities.

Shaun Wilcox, who’s employed by Moray Council, has been awarded a silver medal in the WorldSkills UK Plumbing Competition.

Meanwhile, Kallum Low, who’s employed by MS Electrical, competed in the UK SkillElectric Final 2024 where he was highly commended.

Kallum will now have a place in the WorldSkills UK-wide selection process with a chance of reaching the final in Shanghai during 2026.

In addition, Jamie Green, an apprentice electrician with Campbell and McHardy, won his heat in the annual contest run by the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust, before going on to place second in the overall final.

Having previously been named the UK’s best electrical installation student, Danny McBean travelled from Forres to the French city of Lyon in September to take part in the WorldSkills contest.

Known as the Skills Olympics, the competition saw Danny finish fourth.

Finally, Liam Paterson, who is employed by Walker’s Shortbread, came first in the WorldSkills UK final for Renewable Energy, and now also has a chance of travelling to Shanghai.

Jim Mackinnon is the deputy head of curriculum for construction at UHI Moray, where all the apprentices study part-time.

He said: ‘The success of these Moray apprentices who have competed for Scotland against apprentices from Wales, England and Northern Ireland, is success.

“I’m full of praise for the dedication required to reach these levels and thankful to their employers for their support.”