Engineer Dylan solves real world challenges on the road to net zero
The 31-year-old quickly became a leader in his field after he was hand-picked by RI Cruden for a Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering, and now plays a key role in ensuring that the firm’s renewable installations meet technical and aesthetic standards.
Dylan frequently leads complex retrofitting projects, replacing old heating systems with modern, sustainable solutions and actively helping to build the infrastructure for a net zero world in the Highlands region.
And he applies his learning to custom-fabricate and integrate new components into existing properties, coming up with ingenious solutions to the technical challenges of the net zero transition.
This helps Dylan ensure that the final installation is renewable, efficient and integrated into the home in ways that customers are happy with.
His first major project was working on the installation of a 180kW air source heat pump at the Life Sciences Innovation Centre in Inverness.
He was awarded the BESA Service and Maintenance Apprentice of the Year in 2023 and named Glasgow Kelvin College 3rd Year Service and Maintenance Apprentice of the Year in 2024 in recognition of his capabilities.
Dublin-born Dylan, of Inverness, said: “Doing a Modern Apprenticeship gives you real life skills and helps build your confidence, communication and even conflict-resolution skills when you are dealing with different opinions on site.
“Being able to earn while I learn on an apprenticeship means I can support my family.”
Dylan often spends his evenings studying renewable systems, balancing this with his apprenticeship qualifications, his full-time job as part of his drive to build a more sustainable future for Scotland – and being a dad to two young children.
He readily shares his knowledge and supports his peers in adopting renewable technologies and encourages them to try new approaches to net zero challenges.
Dylan added: “Every decision we make now will affect the lives of my kids in the future so using sustainable practices and reducing the impact of things like climate change and inequality are really important to me.”
Modern Apprenticeships are working for Scotland, developed with employers to meet workforce demand. They 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 learning provider, like a college, to gain an industry-recognised qualification.
RI Cruden Company Director Callum Cruden said: “We are very proud of Dylan and excited to see him make an even greater impact in delivering sustainable solutions.
“Both my brother Rory and I started our own careers as apprentices, so we understand first-hand the value of learning on the job, gaining real experience, and being supported by skilled engineers.
“Apprenticeships create meaningful career opportunities for young people across Scotland and build a talent pipeline which helps avoid skills shortages.”
Glasgow Kelvin College Apprenticeship and Skills Engagement Lead Ian McGown said: “Dylan was always 100% focused and just wants to learn all the time.”
Dylan’s achievements have led to him being a finalist in the Supporting Net Zero Apprentice of the Year category at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in association with SP Energy Networks.
The awards take place on 26 February as the launch event for Scottish Apprenticeship Week (2 to 6 March). Find out more about the award finalists and the event by visiting apprenticeships.scot/awards.