Career moves: the music-loving engineering apprentice

With the allure of familiar surroundings, community support, and exciting opportunities for professional growth, it’s no surprise that an increasing number of young Shetlanders are choosing to study and work close to home.

Young Shetlanders who choose this option tend not to regret their decision. Take Ewan Hutcheson, for example. He is a third-year graduate apprentice at Malakoff Limited and is simultaneously earning his honours degree in mechanical engineering through Robert Gordon University. And he can really throw himself into his studies, safe in the knowledge that he is not shoring up huge amounts of debt to pay off further down the line.

He says: “I love living in Shetland. And it’s good having the opportunity to be able to live here and study towards a degree at the same time. Just ten years ago, that wasn't so much of an option”.

A typical day as a graduate apprentice involves Ewan supporting the workshop staff to ensure they have everything they need to do their jobs. His tasks span the initial pricing stage of projects to procurement, manufacturing, and eventually, client communications and quality assurance. Ewan likes the variety of the work, saying: “It's good because it doesn't get boring. There’s always something different to do”.

Over the three years of his apprenticeship, Ewan has experienced personal growth in his confidence and technical skills. He says he owes his development to the robust support system provided by Malakoff, which includes funding for travel, accommodation, and course-related expenses during his campus visits.

Choosing to live in Shetland wasn’t just about professional growth though. For Ewan, his apprenticeship has allowed him to continue his hobbies and interests and to stay part of the lively social scene the islands offer him.

As a talented fiddle player, that means Ewan has the opportunity to play with his band Da Langstrings, with friends Magnus Williamson and Liam Slater. They've graced big stages at the Shetland Tall Ships and have been on the same bill as international visiting acts at the Shetland Folk Festival and Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival.

The opportunities for young professionals in Shetland are abundant, particularly in fields like marine engineering. Ewan points out that aside from traditional industries, new projects like the Viking Energy Wind Farm and various marine operations – supporting emerging energy sectors – provide career opportunities.

So how can young Shetlanders follow up on some of these opportunities and take their first steps down the apprenticeship route?

His advice is straightforward: “I think the best way to go about getting an apprenticeship is to write to a company and get a bit of work experience. Take it out of your own time, for example you could go during the Easter holidays or take a week out of your summer holidays. That way you get to see all the different aspects of the company.

"You'll know if it's for you or if you're not. The employer will see how your work ethic is, so they’ll know if you’re a good fit for the company. And you’ll know if it’s right for you.”

Has Ewan ever regretted his decision not to study on the mainland? The answer is an emphatic, ”No”.

“I have never regretted not going away to uni. This graduate apprenticeship is a great opportunity because you get your degree, just the same as you would if you went full-time to Aberdeen, Edinburgh or Glasgow. Then you also get four years of work experience on top of that.

"So, no student debt. The company pays for everything, and you're getting paid a salary at the same time. It really is a good opportunity.”

From marine science to clean energy, discover more about the study and career options in Shetland.