Corri, an ambitious apprentice who embarked on his apprenticeship journey at Tillicoultry Quarries (TQ) with a passion for learning and a commitment to personal growth. As part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Corrie to discuss his experiences, challenges, and aspirations during his first year at TQ.

Motivations and Career Aspirations

Corri’s journey into the world of apprenticeship began with a desire to deepen his understanding of his trade and expand his skill set. His enthusiasm for learning new skills and meeting new people fuelled his decision to pursue an apprenticeship at TQ, where he could marry practical experience with formal education.

Training and Professional Development

Reflecting on his first year, Corri expresses a deep appreciation for the opportunity to meet new people and acquire new skills at college. The hands-on learning experience provided him with valuable insights that he could immediately apply to his day-to-day work at TQ.

Biggest Challenge and Overcoming It

Transitioning into his apprenticeship presented Corri with the challenge of balancing his full-time job with his studies. While initially daunting, Corri is gradually learning to strike a balance between work and study through effective time management and open communication. He remains confident that with time and practice, he will overcome this challenge and excel in both aspects of his apprenticeship.

Proudest Achievement

Corri’s proudest achievement in his first year lies in his growing independence and ability to complete tasks autonomously. His transition from relying on guidance to working more independently signifies significant progress in his apprenticeship journey. Additionally, his prior experience working at TQ has allowed him to seamlessly integrate new skills and techniques into his role, making him a highly valued member of the team.

Advice to New Apprentices

For aspiring apprentices joining TQ or the industry, Corri offers sage advice based on his own experiences. He emphasises the importance of hard work, starting the apprenticeship journey at a young age, and demonstrating a willingness to learn. Corri believes that with dedication and enthusiasm, new apprentices can achieve success in their chosen field.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Corri is eager to continue his apprenticeship journey and qualify as an HGV Mechanic. His passion for the trade and his desire to expand his knowledge and expertise serve as driving forces as he works towards his long-term career goals.