Celebrating Scotland’s finest talents

29 June 2011

Alistair Wilson from Tillicoultry in Clackmannanshire has won this year’s BOC Scottish Apprentice Welder title, beating stiff competition to take the title at the finals held at Adam Smith College, Glenrothes, on 15-16 June.

The competition is part of the Apprentice Welding Scheme sponsored by the industrial gases and engineering company BOC.

Alistair, who works for Doosan Babcock at Grangemouth, was delighted to take the top prize. “It’s been hard work but it’s been worth it,” he said, receiving his trophy and a BOC welding visor at the awards ceremony.

Presenting the awards, the Chief Executive of Scottish Engineering, Dr Peter Hughes OBE FREng FIMMM, said: “Scotland can be justifiably proud of the high standard of training it offers in essential skills such as welding. Our Scottish engineering manufacturing sector is excited by the job opportunities which will undoubtedly arise in the coming decades, especially from our Energy Sector. It is vitally important that we continue to develop the key skills which will allow us to capitalise on these opportunities.”

For BOC, a member of The Linde Group, encouraging the next generation of engineers and welders is a key part of its business strategy. “Scotland’s plans for new infrastructure and industries demand high levels of skill in key techniques such as welding,” noted Stuart Hudson, Managing Director, Industrial Supplies and Services at BOC. “BOC is making significant investments in Scotland to meet the needs of a resurgent economy. We are also proud to be investing in the young people who will deliver that future.”

Colleges across Scotland took part in the competition which seeks to recognise the highest level of welding skills. The finals event was held in the new world-class facilities of the Future Skills Centre at Adam Smith College. Dr Craig Thomson, the College’s Principal and Chief Executive, said: “Even in these difficult economic times we must not lose sight of the vital need for a new generation of technically skilled young people if Scotland is to make the most of its opportunities.”