Apprentice Dylan Burke’s passion for renewables has had a positive impact on his employer, delivering solutions for clients to meet net zero goals.
Dylan’s achievements have led to him being a finalist in the Supporting Net Zero Apprentice of the Year category, sponsored by Workforce North, at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards.
The 31-year-old was hand-picked by RI Cruden for a Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering and now plays a key role in ensuring that the firm’s renewable installations meet technical and aesthetic standards.
Dylan frequently leads complex retrofitting projects, replacing old heating systems with modern, sustainable solutions and actively helping to build the infrastructure for a net zero world in the Highlands region.
Dublin-born Dylan, of Inverness, said: “Doing a Modern Apprenticeship gives you real life skills and helps build your confidence, communication and even conflict-resolution skills when you are dealing with different opinions on site.
“Being able to earn while I learn on a Modern Apprenticeship means I can support my family.
He readily shares his knowledge and supports his peers in adopting renewable technologies and encourages them to try new approaches to net zero challenges.
Dylan added: “Every decision we make now will affect the lives of my kids in the future so using sustainable practices and reducing the impact of things like climate change and inequality are really important to me.”
He was awarded the BESA Service and Maintenance Apprentice of the Year in 2023 and named Glasgow Kelvin College 3rd Year Service and Maintenance Apprentice of the Year in 2024 in recognition of his capabilities.
Modern Apprentices spend most of their time learning in the workplace while being supported by a learning provider, like a college, to gain an industry-recognised qualification.
RI Cruden Company Director Callum Cruden said: “We are very proud of Dylan and excitedto see him make an even greater impact in delivering sustainable solutions.
“Both my brother Rory and I started our own careers as apprentices, so we understand first-hand the value of learning on the job, gaining real experience, and being supported by skilled engineers.
“Apprenticeships create meaningful career opportunities for young people across Scotland and build a talent pipeline which helps avoid skills shortages.”
The Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in association with SP Energy Networks, celebrates apprentices, employers and learning providers from across the country and a wide range of sectors.
Award categories recognise the achievements of Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprentices, as well as the organisations who champion and support apprenticeships.
The awards, organised by Skills Development Scotland, will be held at a ceremony taking place in Glasgow on 26 February, when category winners will be announced before the overall winner is named Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year.
Minister for Higher and Further Education, Ben Macpherson said: “Scottish Apprenticeships are excellent opportunities for young people, offering sustainable and rewarding employment.
“Congratulations to all Scottish Apprenticeship Awards finalists – career journeys that are fantastic examples of the positive impact apprenticeships have on people, business and society.”
The Scottish Apprenticeship Awards will help to launch Scottish Apprenticeship Week from 2 to 6 March. For more information about the awards and apprenticeships, visit apprenticeships.scot.
