Greig Johnston
Modern Apprenticeship
Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering
“For me the benefits of an apprenticeship are that you get hands-on practical experience compared to someone studying at Uni. I’m also earning a wage rather than racking up debt.”
From a young age Greig Johnston was always interested in solving mechanical problems. Living on a farm he liked getting hands-on trying to work out how to fix equipment and any vehicle breakdowns.
At school he chose to study engineering related subjects and a Foundation Apprenticeship with NESCol in Mechanical Engineering. The course provided him with practical workshop experience as well as a work placement at Gray & Adams in Fraserburgh. On completion of this qualification Greig knew that his future was in engineering.
“From my FA I gained my National Certificate and 6 PEO units (Performing Engineering Operations) which are part of the Modern Apprenticeship qualification so the natural progression was to apply for an apprenticeship. The College passed my CV to organisations I was successful in gaining an interview and then a job offer with Sulzer Wood.”
He has won the Apprentice of the Year for last two consecutive years at Sulzer Wood and he has now been shortlisted as a finalist for the NESCol 2021 Apprentice of the Year award.
“For me the benefits of an apprenticeship are that you get hands-on practical experience compared to someone studying at Uni. I’m also earning a wage rather than racking up debt. I’ve gained my HNC, my SQV Level 3 and I’ve just started my HND which I hope to finish the same time as serving my time.”
Greig hopes to become qualified as a fitter and work his way up through Sulzer Wood.