A LOCAL engineer is powering popular global sporting events following his graduate apprenticeship.

Growing up near energy solutions business Aggreko’s manufacturing plant in Dumbarton inspired local lad Mark to apply for a graduate apprenticeship with the firm. 

Now in his final year, the 21-year-old has worked in many different areas of the business, enabling him to hone his skills and knowledge. 

Mark, a former Lady and St Patrick’s High School pupil, said: "Doing a graduate apprenticeship gives you the best of both worlds – you are constantly putting your learning into practice and gaining valuable experience.

"I have been able to absorb knowledge from more experienced colleagues on my apprenticeship, which has really helped me in my personal and professional development, and also boosted my confidence.

"Earning a salary at the same time as going to university to achieve my qualification really takes the pressure off."

Mark was part of the Aggreko Events Team, where he contributed to the power supply of the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

His biggest achievement is the role he played in the successful delivery of the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia. 

Working solo at different sites in four cities, he set up Aggreko’s remote monitoring equipment, syncing it with FIFA’s monitoring equipment for all 10 World Cup venues.

Mark divides his time between the Aggreko electrical engineering department and studying at Glasgow Caledonian University, combining academic pursuits with practical hands-on experience.

Paul McGarry, manufacturing trainer and apprentice manager at Aggreko, said: "Mark has been a breath of fresh air, keen to learn and kick on, and we’ve had cracking reports from everyone he’s worked with.

"Apprentices bring different ways of thinking and new ideas and allow us to grow our own talent, upskill our workforce and future-proof our business."

David Semple, graduate apprenticeship tutor at Glasgow Caledonian University, added: “To go straight from school to his graduate apprenticeship is a big jump but Mark grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

“He is very smart and switched on, really applied himself to his learning and is well on his way to becoming a professional engineer.”

Mark is shortlisted for the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in the Graduate Apprentice of the Year category, sponsored by Leidos.

The winner of the award will be announced during the Scottish Apprenticeship Week, which will run from March 4 to 8.

For more information on the event and the award finalists, visit apprenticeships.scot/awards.