Tom Forrest, who attended Clydeview Academy in Inverclyde completed his Foundation Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering at our Greenock Finnart St Campus whilst at school. As part of his course he completed a placement with RJ McLeod. Whilst completing his FA, and with the help and support of his careers advisor at Clydeview, Tom saw the vacancy for Morrison Construction Graduate level apprenticeship advertised on apprenticeship.scot and decided to take the next step in his career journey.

Having gained invaluable industry experience as part of his Foundation apprenticeship, Tom was able to provide real practical examples and demonstrate industry insight within his interview and was successful in securing the position with Morrison Construction.

Now in his third year with the organisation, the talented Graduate apprentice was keen to share his experience with other, supporting and inspiring the next generation of Civil Engineers.  Tom returned to West College Scotland on 10 March as part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, to talk to this year’s current Civil engineering FA’s about his experience with Morrison Construction and help the organisation to recruit for this year’s Graduate level apprentice position.

Speaking of his experience Tom said,

“The FA helped me get the job as it gave me relevant knowledge and experience. This was helpful as I was able to use the knowledge and experience I had gained in the interview which helped boost my confidence on the day. It is great to be able to share this experience with the next generation of talent and help them take the next step in their apprenticeship journeys”

Schools Relationship Manager, Sharron Rodger who oversees our Foundation Apprenticeship programme said,

“Tom is an excellent example to anyone considering an FA at West College Scotland. He has proven how to the course can help provide tangible industry experience and connections, supporting students on the next step in their careers. We are delighted to have him back at the College to help inspire our current cohort of young people”.

Jim Johnstone, Head of Communities & Social Impact,

“At Morrison Construction we are delighted to support the Foundation Apprenticeship and the opportunities to allow young people to progress in a career journey in construction. Having completed a FA in civil engineering allowed Tom to attend his interview with confidence and talk about the role from his experience on work placement.”

To find out more about our Foundation Apprenticeship programmes visit https://www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk/courses/foundation-apprenticeship/foundation-apprenticeships-at-wcs/