Solar energy offers bright future for local talent

Kiera Wright is a 19 year old HNC Engineering Systems graduate from Moraay College (UHI). She is currently studying towards a Graduate Apprenticeship BEng (Hons) Engineering: Instrumentation, Measurement and Control at Robert Gordon University. She is working with AES Solar in Forres.

What is your role, and how does that relate to the net zero journey?

My role within the company is Graduate Apprentice Engineer. I support the engineering design team to provide the best solar product and system solutions for our clients by learning and carrying out vital technical administration tasks. Doing a graduate apprenticeship is very beneficial as I am able to learn new skills and put them into practice in the work place, while working towards a degree. For example I have recently been learning to correctly execute technical drawings, which has helped me be able to create efficient schematic drawings for the company. My main aim is to complete my degree and become an established professional engineer working in renewable energy.

How do you feel about the benefits of the work you're involved in? 

I thoroughly enjoy having a role within the solar industry and the climate change industry as it makes me feel as though I am a part of a bigger picture and the positive movement towards clean, renewable energy.

Within the company we aim to be as environmentally friendly as possible - not just in the product we manufacture and install - but in our daily tasks and operations, and it really encourages me to think about how I can help and the changes I can make in my day to day life.

At AES Solar we fundamentally and whole-heartedly believe that solar can play a vital part in the world’s energy needs. Because of this, we need to maximise the potential power of our most precious natural resource - the sun. And it's great to be there every step of the way, helping people find out how they can make solar part of their life.

What net zero skills have you developed? 

Within my role not only has my technical knowledge increased, but my confidence and communication skills have improved significantly due to having to contact larger companies such as SSE and SP Energy.

Organisation and time management have also been two skills which have been greatly improved due to prioritising my workloads in a bustling, thriving company.

Working at AES Solar and carrying out my Graduate Apprenticeship has greatly added to my ambition to become a professional established engineer working within the renewables sector. I believe that net zero work offers a wide range of opportunities for myself and other young people with emerging skills. It is always changing and growing with new developments all the time - which is something really appealing and exciting to me.

See our #netzeroheroes AES Solar feature