Administration worker Moira Cook is flying the flag for the north east as the only finalist from the region in the Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Awards.
Moira is one of three finalists in the Service Apprentice of the Year category and will learn if she has been successful at a glittering awards dinner at the Glasgow Science Centre next month. (Dec 7)
The 19-year-old office junior joined specialist engineering company STATS Group on leaving Kemnay Academy and has become a valued member of the administration team at the Kintore-based company.
As part of her career progression Moira undertook an Apprenticeship in Business and Administration and it’s her hard work and progression under the Modern Apprenticeship scheme which has led to the nomination.
Her role involves supporting the machining, fabrication and engineering teams who design, build and test STATS’ range of isolation tools and plugs which are deployed on major oil and gas pipeline projects in the North Sea and globally.
Demand for STATS products are services are at an all time high and the company has won a number of major international contracts, but Moira thrives on the pressure and welcomes the new challenges which come with working within an up-tempo organisation.
She said: “ It can be very hectic at times but the experience of working in a busy environment against tight deadlines motivates me to push myself harder and to prove myself against older colleagues.
“STATS is a can-do company and if you show you can do it, they give you every encouragement to learn new skills and take advantage of opportunities such as the Scottish Modern Apprentice awards.
“When I first came to STATS Group I was quite nervous and quiet but as I have gone through my Apprenticeship it has really boosted my confidence and helped me to grow in to my job. My colleagues are very friendly and there is always someone willing to give advice or point you in the right direction and I have appreciated their support.”
STATS Group director, Lorraine Porter , said: “ Moira is a great example of how a young school leaver can quickly make a significant contribution to the running of a business.
“Our ethos is to offer all staff the training and educational opportunities which allows them to do their job to the best of their abilities and fulfil individual potential. We are delighted Moira’s hard work has been recognised and reaching the Apprenticeship finals is an achievement in itself.”
[mappress] Subsea World News Staff , November 18, 2011; Image: STATS Group