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Glasgow Modern Apprentice Awards 2019

Apprentices’ hard work and passion shine through

In an exciting awards ceremony held in Trades Hall on 10 June, overall winner of

the Glasgow Modern Apprentice Awards (GMAA) 2019 was announced as Emma O’Halloran, an apprentice chemical analyst with Glasgow Scientific Services.

Emma revealed that after leaving school she initially struggled to adapt to college and her tough new schedule of college, training, travelling and meeting new people. She also had to manage without her twin sister, this being the first period of their lives that they had been separated for any significant time.

However, through hard work and dedication Emma’s confidence has grown to the extent that she now enjoys conducting workshops with schoolchildren and undertaking public speaking. Emma also attends STEM events and visits secondary schools to encourage children’s participation in science and maths based subjects.

A representative of Glasgow Scientific Services said; “Emma’s enthusiasm to learn has helped her complete her SVQ HNC. Even though she had no Chemistry Higher she has succeeded and is now studying for a degree in Applied Bioscience at UWS.”

Deacon Convener of Trades House, Tom McInally, said: “The Glasgow Modern Apprentice Awards 2019 has revealed many inspiring and uplifting stories, with apprentices showing incredible commitment to overcome personal and professional challenges. Trades House has supported people in education since it was formed in 1605. The GMAA and other projects in the Education Festival offer initiatives for pre-school children through to apprentices.”

Emma was chosen out of 32 entries and 8 finalists. She was presented with an inscribed trophy that will remain on display in the Trades Hall, home to the Trades House of Glasgow. She also received a cheque for £1,000 and an inscribed Quaich.

Charlene Bonnar, an apprentice engineer with Stannah Lift Services was awarded third prize and a cheque for £250.

The second prize and a cheque for £500 went to Andrew Shields, a modern apprentice in engineering with Rolls-Royce.

The winners of two awards sponsored by the Royal Philosophical Society of Glasgow, were each presented with cheques for £500.

The first of these was the ‘Community Engagement’ award that was awarded to Ross Walsh, a technical apprentice with Morris & Spottiswood. Ross does admirable work out with his apprenticeship as a keen fundraiser and also runs a children’s football team. Ross was also presented with the Scottish Building Contractor’s Association Fund Award for Best Candidate in the Construction Industry.

The ‘Overcoming Difficulties’ award was presented to two individuals this year, as the judges found it impossible to award one and not the other. The joint winners were Mark Donnelly, an apprentice electrician with BAE Systems and Carrieann Irvine, an apprentice with Family Action in Rogerfield & Easterhouse (FARE). Mark was diagnosed with ADD at the age of 20, but has been determined not to let this impact on his life or apprenticeship. Carrieann has battled to improve her confidence levels, making huge steps forward in her studies and career.