A GREENOCK student who has landed a role with a top engineering firm is now up for a national award.

Harley Higgins has been recognised for his outstanding achievements as a foundation apprentice at West College Scotland while still a school pupil.

The former Clydeview Academy schoolboy chose to take on the course, studying both at college and in school during his sixth year.

His commitment impressed his lecturers at college so much that they have now nominated him as Scottish Foundation Apprentice of the Year.

Following a work placement in electrical engineering with specialist firm Aggreko he secured a modern apprenticeship ahead of 300 other candidates.

Harley, 18, from Branchton, said: "I really enjoyed the foundation apprenticeship course.

"I learned so much while I was still at school and it also meant that I was going out of my comfort zone when I went to college.

"I was really surprised to get the nomination.

"I love working for Aggreko but without the course I would never have had the opportunity."

As Scottish Apprenticeship Week is marked, Harley says he would recommend them to anyone looking to forge a career.

He said: “A foundation apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to experience the workplace and get involved in it, which was invaluable.

“Choosing an apprenticeship opened my eyes to the opportunities that are available and helped me develop skills and knowledge.

“Being able to talk about my work placement gave me the edge when I applied for my modern apprenticeship.

“A foundation apprenticeship was the best subject choice I made.”

In Harley's award nomination lecturers praised his hard work and professional approach.

Aggreko manufacturing trainer Paul McGarry added: “Apprentices bring massive value to the business - they bring fresh ideas and we mould them into the perfect engineers for Aggreko.

“Harley has a real passion for engineering and clearly has a bright future ahead of him.”

West College Scotland senior administrator for foundation apprenticeships Ashleigh Bonnar said: “Harley’s confidence has really grown as a result of doing the aprenticeship and he learned valuable life and work skills.”

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