With people at the core of our business, Tillicoultry Quarries is proud to highlight the experiences of our latest apprentice, Kieran Pullen. Kieran is a first-year HGV Mechanic Apprentice at Tullialllan, who is gaining valuable hands-on skills that will support him throughout his career. We caught up with him to learn more about his journey, his day-to-day role, and why an apprenticeship has been the right choice for him.

Q: What first sparked your interest in becoming a mechanic?

I’ve always loved cars from a young age. I used to build cars in my spare time, so working with vehicles has always interested me. That early passion helped set me on the path to becoming a mechanic.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?

I’m based in Tulliallan. A typical day could be maintaining vehicles on site or going on call outs to assist drivers. There’s always something to work on, which keeps things busy and interesting.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your role?

The most rewarding part of the job is the satisfaction of knowing the work has been done properly and safely. I also enjoy learning the ins and outs of how the lorries work and understanding the mechanics behind them.

Call-outs are one of the best parts of the job. You get to see different sites and deal with real-life issues, like fixing air bags. It’s great hands-on experience and I’ve built a lot of confidence.

Q: How does college fit in with your apprenticeship?

I attend college at Remit in Motherwell. I’m there for one full week every two months, which works well alongside the practical, on-the-job learning.

I get great support from John, my journeyman, who works with me one-on-one and guides me whenever I need help. That support has been key to developing my skills and balancing my college work.

Q: How do you see your progression over the next few months?

Over the next few months, I feel confident that I’ll be able to work more independently and continue building on the skills I’ve learned.

Q: Would you recommend an apprenticeship to others?

Definitely. I’ve really enjoyed it and learned a lot in a short space of time. You gain practical experience, earn while you learn, and develop skills for life that will stay with you throughout your career.