Subsea inventor Fraser charts business success to earn top apprentice title
Engineering his future through apprenticeships has paid off for Aberdeenshire’s Fraser Bruce who has been crowned Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year.
The 28-year-old from Inverbervie won the title at Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in association with SP Energy Networks.
Fraser was recognised for developing lifesaving technology and delivering projects worth millions of pounds though his Graduate Apprenticeship with subsea operations and manufacturing firm, JFD Ltd.
Fraser, who was also the winner in the Graduate Apprentice of the Year category sponsored by CBI, was awarded the trophy by Minister for Higher and Further Education Ben Macpherson at the ceremony held at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow on Thursday, 26 March.
Speaking on his win, Fraser said: “I can't believe I've won, I really didn't expect to receive this award and I'm totally overwhelmed. I'm really proud of myself.”
Having previously completed a Modern Apprenticeship with Michelin Tyres in Dundee, Fraser persuaded JFD bosses that the apprenticeship in Engineering: Design and Manufacture (Electronic) offered by Heriot Watt University would have an impact on the business.
Fraser used his new skills to develop JFD products and he led on the delivery of over £2.2million of commercial diving and defence products over the last four years.
His dedication earned him promotion from Junior Engineer to an Electrical Project Engineer and responsibility for training other colleagues.
Fraser has also been listed as an inventor on a patent filing, after successfully developing a prototype demonstrator to automatically calculate the escape time in a distressed submarine, which has huge potential to save lives in real world applications.
Talking about his apprenticeship, Fraser said: “Knowing the value Graduate Apprenticeships bring to a business, in terms of technical knowledge combined with practical on-the-job learning, made it much easier to pitch to my bosses.”
JFD Global Training and Competency Manager Kevin Hadden said: “Fraser is our shining light – he’s very bright, brings a lot of energy and is a self-starter.”
Other talented apprentices, apprentice employers and learning providers were recognised at the glittering awards ceremony attended by over 250 guests.
Further and Higher Education Minister, Ben Macpherson said: "Congratulations to Fraser on this significant and inspiring achievement, and to those who’ve supported him too – his success is an outstanding example of the hard work, dedication and ambition of apprentices across Scotland.
“The Scottish Apprenticeship Awards are an uplifting celebration of achievement, partnership and progress, and Fraser's story highlights just how important apprenticeships are for Scotland and for the many people who thrive because of them. Whether someone is starting out, upskilling, or changing direction, apprenticeships open doors and create opportunities, and contribute so much to our economy, public services and society.
“Fraser’s award is testament to his commitment and skill, and the dedication of his employer and training provider. I wish him every success for the future."
Alasdair McMonagle from Glasgow was given the Chair’s award, in recognition of overcoming huge challenges to navigate a successful career at BAE Systems.
Alasdair was treated for a neurological brain injury in his youth and seeing BAE ships at Scotstoun from the hospital sparked an interest in shipbuilding.
Having secured a Graduate Apprenticeship in Engineering Design and Manufacture with BAE and the University of Strathclyde, Alasdair’s decisions have avoided costly rework and improved processes that have been embedded across his team.
Other award winners included Foundation Apprentice of the Year Hannah McGill from Portlethen; Modern Apprentice of the Year SCQF Level 5, Sam Anderson from Falkirk; Modern Apprentice of the Year SCQF Level 6 and above, Alice Fairbairn from Glasgow; and Supporting Net Zero Apprentice of the Year, Kiera Wright from Forres.
Apprentice employers and learning providers were also recognised, with Procast Group picking up the title of SME Employer of the Year; SP Energy Networks named Large Employer of the Year; and Xtra-Mile.com winning for Leading in Learning Provision.
Chair of Skills Development Scotland, Frank Mitchell said: “Scottish Apprenticeships provide real returns for employers, individuals and the economy.
“Apprenticeships are in demand by both employers and apprentices, with major competition for every role in Scotland.
“The Scottish Apprenticeship Awards show how apprenticeships are working for Scotland, creating careers, building businesses and delivering real returns for the economy.
“All the finalists and winners are testament to the power of apprenticeships for individuals and employers to fulfil their potential.”
More inspirational apprentices and employers across the country are set to back Scottish Apprenticeship Week from 2 to 6 March, which has the theme Working for Scotland.
The nationwide campaign, co-ordinated by SDS and supported by the Scottish Government and a wide range of national and local partners, celebrates apprenticeships working for individuals, employers and the economy.
For more information on Scottish Apprenticeships, to search for latest apprenticeship vacancies and to find events taking place during Scottish Apprenticeship Week, visit apprenticeships.scot.
Scottish Apprenticeship Awards winners:
- SME Employer of the Year – sponsored by Babcock International Group – Procast Group
- Large Employer of the Year – sponsored by SSEN Transmission – SP Energy Networks
- Leading in Learning Provision – sponsored by Scottish Training Federation – Xtra-Mile.com
- Supporting Net Zero Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by Workforce North – Kiera Wright, aes renewables
- Foundation Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by MCR Pathways– Hannah McGill, Fishermoss Primary School
- Modern Apprentice of the Year SCQF L5 – sponsored by CBI – Sam Anderson, Muiravonside Country Park
- Modern Apprentice of the Year SCQF L6+ - sponsored by Scottish Chambers of Commerce– Alice Fairbairn, SP Energy Networks
- Graduate Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by CBI – Fraser Bruce, JFD Ltd.
- Chair’s Award - Alasdair McMonagle, BAE Systems
- Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year - Fraser Bruce, JFD Ltd.