Blog from Billy Gauld: My apprenticeship journey

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2023, we invited Senior Operations Manager  Billy Gauld  to write a blog for us, detailing how an apprenticeship set the foundations for his current role as a leadership figure in KAEFER UK & Ireland 's Energy Business Unit.

As a Senior Operations Manager, I have had the privilege of embarking on a journey of growth and development through an apprenticeship. My journey started back in 2001 when I left Fraserburgh Academy as a 15-year-old, with no clear direction of what I wanted to do. However, my curiosity was sparked by the welding work being carried out in the local shipyard. I decided to join Banff & Buchan College to pursue a welding and fabrication course. This move set me on the path to becoming a Pipefitting apprentice at Dales Engineering in Peterhead.

Starting an apprenticeship can be both exciting and intimidating. As a quiet and shy person, it was daunting joining a large company like Dales Engineering. However, working and socialising with a supportive team helped me to come out of my shell.

One of the key skills I gained from my apprenticeship was communication. In our industry, where there are so many risks involved, effective communication is essential for ensuring the safe return of everyone to their families and loved ones. Whether it is verbal, written or visual, transferring information from one person to another is crucial.

My journey from an apprentice to my current role as a senior operations manager has been an exciting one. I started my apprenticeship in 2002 and gained various qualifications including SVQ levels 1, 2, 3, NC in Fabrication and Welding Engineering Practices, and SEMTA Craft Modern Apprenticeship in Fabrication and Welding

I then moved on to St Fergus Gas Terminal where I started as a pipefitter and progressed to a maintenance supervisor, work preparator, fabric team lead, and finally operations manager.

Throughout my career I have completed various training courses, including Leadership Training, Maintenance & Integrity Execution Work Preparator Training, IOSH Managing Safely, and Mental Health First Aider. Of course, additional training throughout my career has been important, however, what I have learnt on the job is just as important.

For young people who are leaving compulsory education and are uncertain about their next step, my advice would be to stay calm – it’s okay to not have everything figured out, and in time, you will find your path. My personal motto is to always plan, prepare and perform. I also keep two quotes in mind, "fail to prepare, prepare to fail" and "hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."

At KAEFER, we are committed to upskilling our industry for future generations and ensuring our entry-level employees are provided skills for life. I am proud to be part of this effort by facilitating apprenticeships on our active sites and ensuring that mentors are available to guide and support apprentices.

We have several exciting vacancies in our area including:

>        Scaffolders

>        Rope access / non-rope access blasters and painters

>        Rope access / non-rope access insulators

These opportunities provide a great platform for young people to start their journey and gain valuable skills for life.

An apprenticeship is a fantastic way to start a journey of growth and development. It provides a hands-on experience as well as training and qualifications that can open up doors for a successful and fulfilling career. I hope my story will inspire young people to consider an apprenticeship as their next step.

Why not check out KAEFER UK & Ireland Jobs (kaeferltd.co.uk) to see the range of apprentice positions we have available this year: it could be the start of your great journey!