Modern Apprentice Megan takes the lead on Net Zero
Modern Apprentice Megan Coupar is on a mission to play a key role in supporting her employer on their journey to Net Zero.
Megan’s lightbulb moment at engineering firm Booth Welsh came when she joined their Net Zero business strategy group, which focuses on sustainable thinking and adding social value.
Megan, 21, took responsibility for different aspects of the reception area and worked to source stationery and coffee cups more sustainably.
She worked on proposals for a laundry service and recycling scheme to extend the life and usability of certain PPE items.
Megan is also part of an internal awareness campaign to reduce waste at the company’s site in Irvine, North Ayrshire, and is exploring the possibility of an electric bus to help staff commute more sustainably.
Megan was the first Booth Welsh apprentice to take part in the Grangemouth Fuel Change Challenge, leading a team who developed solutions to the plastic waste issue faced by local businesses. They presented their solution to SEPA, who were impressed by their work.
When Megan left school, she had a place at university but felt a Modern Apprenticeship in Business Administration was a better fit as she wanted to gain hands-on experience, develop key skills by working alongside others - and earn a salary at the same time.
Megan said: “Going straight from school to university is a big jump, so a Modern Apprenticeship works well if you’re not quite ready for that.
When it comes to sustainability, I try to make small changes myself, then find ways to bring them into the workplace.
Leading the Fuel Change Challenge really brought me out of myself and improved my communication skills.”
Booth Welsh Compliance Manager Alan Caddies said:
Megan harnessed her involvement in the Fuel Change Challenge to make a real impact at Booth Welsh.
With her passion, drive, and commitment, she will continue to be an ambassador for making positive impacts in the world of sustainability for years to come. She is an inspiration to her fellow apprentices.
Megan, of West Kilbride, North Ayrshire, also spoke at COP26. She recently signed up for a part-time HNC Business course at City of Glasgow College and hopes to progress on to a Graduate Apprenticeship.
Modern Apprenticeships are jobs open to anyone aged 16 and over who wants to work, learn, and earn. Modern Apprentices spend most of their time learning in the workplace while being supported by a local college or specialist training provider to gain an industry recognised qualification.
Microcom Director of Quality Assurance Robert McPhee said:
Modern Apprenticeships help young people learn key skills for work, gain a qualification and get set on a career pathway.
Megan’s achievements have led to her being a finalist at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in the Supporting Net Zero Apprentice of the Year category, sponsored by the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland.
The winners will be revealed at the awards, organised by Skills Development Scotland, and is set to take place during Scottish Apprenticeship Week from 6-10 March. Find out more about the award finalists and the event by visiting: apprenticeships.scot/awards.