Case Studies
Roy's a Live Wire
Roy's a Live Wire
Roy Bonnar left school with very few qualifications and low grades and, as a result, was not able to obtain a Modern Apprenticeship. He also suffered from dyslexia. ScottishPower Learning’s Skillseeker programme is specifically designed to help young people like Roy and in 1999 he became a Technical Skillseeker based in Falkirk.
He worked very hard to overcome his challenges and his performance improved over time as he took on board the advice, guidance and support offered to him.
Roy said "The Skillseeker programme helped me get started when I left school. It provided work experience and gave me skills that allowed me to get an Apprenticeship. The continuous help and support during my time on these programme and the training available to me as a linesman means I can continue to develop myself."
His efforts were rewarded when he secured a Modern Apprenticeship in 2001. His training focussed on cable jointing, fitting and overhead lines work. In June 2005 he became a linesman, working across central Scotland providing new supplies in rural areas and upgrading existing networks.
"I feel great about my job and that all my years of hard work have paid off. I didn’t enjoy school and left with not very good grades. The ScottishPower Learning Skillseeker programme provided me with the right opportunity and look where I am now."
Roy has clearly taken every opportunity to develop himself and his career. In 2006, he embarked on the new challenge of 'Live Line' training and will complete this in the coming months.
For 10 years, ScottishPower Learning has been at the forefront of helping young people in our communities maximise their potential. From humble beginnings in 1996, with just 12 trainees, the programme has now trained more than 12,000 people and ScottishPower people have been instrumental in this success.
The Skillseeker programme started in 1996, and achieved Business in the Community's Example of Excellence in both 2002 and 2005. The programme combines vocational learning, soft skills development, confidence building and job search to help young school leavers make the transition into work. The programme, which lasts 12 – 18 months, provides placements across central and southern Scotland, Merseyside and North Wales.
For more information on the Skillseekers programme visit www.ourdoorisalwaysopen.com
For more information on ScottishPower Learning visit www.scottishpowerlearning.com
