Modern Apprenticeship Spotlight - Sam Cairns
#ScotAppWeek23 ➕ #ApprenticeshipsWork by giving people the skills employers need now and for the future. Schools, colleges, and employers are now working in partnership to offer senior phase students’ opportunities to attain industry-recognised qualifications along with academic studies. Sam is currently at UHI Perth doing an apprenticeship in Electrical Installations. He tells us how he is getting on 👇
Can you introduce yourself?
Sam Cairns, from Methven.
What course are you studying at UHI Perth?
SVQF Level 3 in Electrical Installations and my employer is James S Wilson Electrical Contractors in Perth.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
My dad, as he’s worked here for 20-plus years.
What were you doing before you came to college?
I was in 5th year at Perth Grammar School, and I had a part time job at Dr Noodles.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I decided to pick this course because the work is enjoyable and is a useful skill - as when I finish the course, I will have my golden ticket for the rest of my life as I will be fully qualified to get a job as an electrician anywhere.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
The most enjoyable part of this course for me was when we have to wire up the electrical installation in our booths, as it’s very satisfying when it works, and you can feel accomplished with your work.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
Putting up and taking down scaffolding as it was very hands-on and a skill that we use daily in our working lives, it’s also a very different activity from what we usually do.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
Every block that we do here focuses on different aspects of electrical installations so it’s useful when I go back on site and I’m working on a job that uses the practical skills that I learned at college.
Have you undertaken a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?
I’m at college 17 weeks this year and every other day (apart from holidays) I’m working on site which is good as when I come back to college, I can ask question about any enquiries I might have from the work on site. It’s also useful as I can apply my skills from college on site.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
Lecturers have helped me when I have any questions about theory or practical work by giving me the answer or pointing me in the right direction of where to find the answer. They have also helped by giving me advice on how I can improve my practical work and how I can make it neater.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
The sports hall, as me and other classmates and the lecturers occasionally go and play a game of indoor football.
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
When it was Fresher’s Week and there was the fairground ride outside the Academy of Sport and Wellbeing building and the Domino’s pizza stand outside Starbucks. I also enjoy playing football with classmates and the lecturers.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of college?
I enjoy weightlifting and boxing.
What are your future career plans?
Become a fully qualified electrician.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
It's a good college and I would recommend studying here.
