Katie Wallace announced as Scottish Engineering Modern Apprentice of the Year 2025
Katie Wallace a CNC operator working for Hydrasun based in Aviemore and a UHI Moray apprentice has been awarded the Scottish Engineering Modern Apprentice of the Year 2025.
Katie who has just completed her first year in her apprenticeship attended UHI Moray Linkwood Technology Centre on a part time basis for the academic element of the apprenticeship while completing her SVQ Level 2 in the workplace.
Katie now moves onto her second year where she will progress to the SCQF Level 7 diploma and should complete her MA by 2027. Winning the Scottish Engineering Modern Apprentice of the Year was a remarkable individual achievement for Katie and she was selected as one of the speakers for International Women in Engineering 2025 conference.
We interviewed Katie about her experience so far:
"I decided to apply for an apprenticeship rather than attend university because I was always concerned about the academic side of things and I much preferred practical hands-on learning which is a key element of the apprenticeship route. So far, I have thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship and have learned a great deal. I found the beginning challenging when learning the programming for the machines however I have grown to appreciate and enjoy the processes as my skills developed. In the workplace where I work the weekend shift, I am now able to confidently set and operate 2 machines. Attending college 2 days a week was a mix of practical work spent in the workshops and classrooms theory-based learning.
My employer, Hydrasun, has been incredibly supportive, especially during times when I doubted my own abilities. Their belief in me, along with the encouragement I received from my college tutors and assessors helped me to overcome challenges.
This strong support network has greatly boosted my confidence and played a key role in helping me achieve the Scottish modern apprentice of the year award. Something that I could not have achieved without their encouragement.
For me, the most rewarding aspect of this apprenticeship is the knowledge that every day I am progressing towards becoming a fully qualified machinist. I enjoy working with my hands and developing practical skills that will serve me throughout my career.
The biggest challenge I faced was at the start of my apprenticeship when I struggled to understand the machine programming language. At that time, I also found it difficult to manage financially on an apprentice wage, but with persistence, things gradually improved.
I would highly recommend the modern apprenticeship route. It offers valuable hands-on skills that a university degree does not necessarily provide. In addition to technical abilities, I’ve also gained a range of transferable life skills that have proven useful beyond the workplace.
Winning the Scottish Modern Apprentice of the Year award is, without doubt, my proudest accomplishment. It stands as proof that no matter how tough things may seem in the beginning, with determination and the right support, success is always possible."
Paul Harlow, Curriculum Team Lead in Engineering at UHI Moray said:
"Katie worked hard in all her subjects during her time at college. She showed herself to be a reliable and focussed worker, both in practical workshop classes and theory classes. It is always satisfying to see young people enter college as, typically, school-leavers and develop towards becoming young professionals, as they approach their time to leave. Katie entered college with a mature attitude and approach to her work and this has served her well over the past year; she is a deserving recipient of the Scottish Engineering Apprenticeship of the Year award."
Jacqui Taylor, Modern Apprenticeship Manager at UHI Moray said:
"We are very proud of Katies achievement winning the Scottish Engineering Apprenticeship of the Year and her success reflects the hard work and dedication she put into her 1st year of her apprenticeship. She is an excellent student and will no doubt succeed in her apprenticeship. This a yet another example of the continued successes of the apprentices who train at UHI Moray Linkwood Technology Centre and a testament to the professionalism and high-quality teaching of the lecturing teams."