Kenneth Hopkirk: Modern Apprentice

Kenneth Hopkirk, from Clydebank, is a Modern Apprentice working with Gilmore Ecometal.

Kenneth had worked in a range of other jobs, including as a croupier for some time, but decided that he wanted to work with his hands and started at Glasgow Clyde College on a SVQ Level 2 Fabrication and Welding course. Whilst he was on the course staff told him about a Modern Apprenticeship opportunity, he applied for it and was taken on by his employer almost immediately.  Kenneth attends college one day per week and the rest of the week is spent at work.

Kenneth’s day-to-day job involves working with aluminium and he says there is no ‘typical day’.  "I like the balance of studying and working. At College I work with different machinery and whilst not everything is applicable to my current role, I enjoy getting broader skills and working with different types of metals."

"I’d definitely recommend doing a Modern Apprenticeship, there’s a lot of support to help you through it and you can end up learning and working at something you’re really interested in."