SCOTTISH MODERN APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS 2006

CATEGORY: Continued Personal Development

WINNER: John-Robert Eunson

As a young engineer in Shetland, John-Robert Eunson is well aware that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts… but every part is vital. And that’s the same in his career. His Modern Apprenticeship has led him into a degree course with becoming a chartered engineer his ultimate goal.

While a Modern Apprenticeship is recognised as a valued qualification, John-Robert Eunson has used the scheme as the foundation stone to chart his entire career.

His dedication, enthusiasm and commitment over the past four years has led him to combining his apprenticeship with studying for an engineering degree through the Open University.

And, having been awarded the Tallow Chandler Medal for being BP UK’s top outstanding apprentice,  John-Robert is certainly making great strides to fulfilling his ambition of going on to achieve a Masters in Engineering and then to become a chartered engineer.

“The Modern Apprenticeship has given me skills and confidence and has allowed to me to grow as a person. It has been the best thing that I’ve done in my life,” he said.

“What I like about my job is the wide diversity of tasks and

people I come across every day. One day I could be

carrying out a common, everyday task and the next day

something that really challenges me as a young engineer,

requiring new knowledge and skills to be put into practice.”

His career path began in Shetland in 2002 when he began

working for BP as a Modern Apprentice in mechanical

engineering. After a spell at college in Edinburgh where he

was the only student on a mechanical discipline, completing

most of college work through Open Learning, he returned

to Shetland for the practical section.

One year into his Level 3 he signed up with the Open

University and is starting his second year now. Yet it’s not

all work. John-Robert also lists rugby, fishing and fitness as

his other interests – proving an excellent example to other

apprentices.

His team leader at BP UK, John Johnston, said: “I have only

had dealings with the MA scheme for two years but, in that

time, it has produced much needed young blood!

Apprentices are arriving just in time to learn the many

practical skills the oil industry requires to keep it functioning

 – skills and experience that will be lost to the industry in

the very near future when the ever aging workforce retire.

“Over the years I have seen a slow dilution in our core

workforce skills, but I feel now we have got a handle on

things, we know what is required. If we continue to work

together, I am sure the future is bright for anyone wishing

to participate in any of the MA schemes.”