At the age of 16, Ryan Walker is the epitome of dreaming big. He sees limitless potential for his future career in renewables and believes the industry can power his own ambitions as well as the world’s aspirations of net zero future.
Ryan made the decision to pursue a career in renewables while still at school and now, thanks to the rapid growth of the sector in the Highlands, he’s on course to achieve his dream of international travel and financial security.
“I choose this as a career path because renewables are used everywhere in the world. That means there are endless opportunities here and elsewhere – it’s a job that can take you very far,” said Ryan, who is from Inverness.
“I would like to travel and experience new countries, and I think renewables will give me that option to work elsewhere in the future if I want to. It’ll also provide good financial stability for my family.
“The apprenticeship is just the first step, and I’m really pleased that I can do that here close to home. I wanted to stay here to study because I’m still young. I’m living at home and don’t drive so to have all of this on my doorstep is great.”
Ryan is in the first year of a four-year Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Apprenticeship, employed by Green Highland and studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).
After an introductory period on site with his employer, Ryan started his studies with UHI in Inverness where he’ll learn the practical and theoretical skills needed for his future career as a technician. He’ll then be able to put those into practice at work outside of university term time.
Once he reaches the end of the apprenticeship, he’ll have lots of flexibility on his future options. Ryan could go to work full-time, decide to join a degree course straight afterwards or pick up his degree studies again in future.
Ryan said: “So far, my course has involved different levels of mechanical and electrical topics that will expand my knowledge of what will take place in my workplace. I’m really enjoying it and learning so much – I’m looking forward to getting back on site later in the year.”
The ability to enjoy a purpose-led career, develop in-demand skills and earn a very good salary is now more than a pipe dream for hundreds of young people just like Ryan.
Through its development as one of Europe’s major renewables hubs, Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport will be the catalyst for significant job creation in green energy such as hydrogen, offshore wind and hydropower.
Hundreds of jobs are already in the pipeline as a result of companies establishing a presence or expanding operations within the green freeport area, and hundreds more will be created in the supply chain across the Highlands and beyond.
It’s widely acknowledged that, while a workforce with experience and time-served skills is needed to enable growth at scale and pace, there must also be a major focus on developing a pipeline of new talent.
Green Highland – which develops small-scale hydropower projects – was launched in 2007 and has grown significantly in line with the demand for renewable power for businesses and homes. Headquartered in Perth, the company’s engineers and technicians work out of a base in Dingwall.
Ryan, who went to Culloden Academy, knows other young people who have also decided to take a vocational learning route. He explained: “I’d heard about Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport because of the new multi-billion port that is going into Ardesier, and because my pal is doing a welding course over at Port of Nigg.
“There are a lot of really good opportunities in the Highlands, and with great businesses growing rapidly. As time goes on, there are going to be even more opportunities to work and study. Inverness UHI is a great place to study where you learn a lot that you can take into your day-to-day job – I’d highly recommend it.”
Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport
UHI House, Old Perth Road, Inverness, IV2 3JH
Phone: 0333 091 1985 | Email: [email protected]
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