Future looks bright for apprentice at Aviemore’s Hydrasun after scooping national award
The outlook is very bright for a young worker at Aviemore’s Hydrasun who has just scooped the Scottish Engineering Modern Apprentice of the Year award.
Katie Wallace is a CNC operator using computer-controlled machines to manufacture parts according to precise specifications.
Katie has just completed her first year in her apprenticeship and attended UHI Moray Linkwood Technology Centre on a part time basis for the academic element of the apprenticeship while completing her level 2 in the workplace.
She said: “Winning the Scottish Modern Apprentice of the Year award is, without doubt, my proudest accomplishment.
“It stands as proof that no matter how tough things may seem in the beginning, with determination and the right support, success is always possible.”
She continued: “I decided to apply for an apprenticeship rather than attend university because I was always concerned about the academic side of things and I much preferred practical hands-on learning which is a key element of the apprenticeship route.
“So far, I have thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship and have learned a great deal.
“I found the beginning challenging when learning the programming for the machines, however, I have grown to appreciate and enjoy the processes as my skills developed.”
“Hydrasun has been incredibly supportive, especially during times when I doubted my own abilities.
“Their belief in me, along with the encouragement I received from my college tutors and assessors helped me to overcome challenges.
“This strong support network has greatly boosted my confidence and played a key role in helping me achieve the Scottish modern apprentice of the year award.
“It is something that I could not have achieved without their encouragement.
“For me, the most rewarding aspect of this apprenticeship is the knowledge that every day I am progressing towards becoming a fully qualified machinist.
“I enjoy working with my hands and developing practical skills that will serve me throughout my career.
“The biggest challenge I faced was at the start of my apprenticeship when I struggled to understand the machine programming language.
“At that time, I also found it difficult to manage financially on an apprentice wage but - with persistence - things gradually improved.”
Katie now moves onto her second year where she will progress to the Level 7 Diploma and should complete her MA by 2027.
Winning the award is, without doubt, my proudest accomplishmentKatie Wallace
She was also selected as one of the speakers for International Women in Engineering 2025.
Paul Harlow, curriculum team lead in Engineering at UHI Moray, said: “Katie has worked hard in all her subjects during her time at college.
“She showed herself to be a reliable and focused worker both in practical workshop classes and theory classes.
“It is always satisfying to see young people enter college as, typically, school-leavers and develop towards becoming young professionals as they approach their time to leave.
“Katie entered college with a mature attitude and approach to her work and this has served her well over the past year. She is a deserving recipient of the Scottish Engineering Apprenticeship of the Year award.”
Jacqui Taylor, head of marketing and external relations and Modern Apprenticeship manager at UHI Moray, said: “Katie is an excellent student and will no doubt succeed in her apprenticeship.”
Fluid systems solutions experts Hydrasun are now also helping fuel the energy transition by developing and supplying specialist solutions for the hydrogen energy market.
Find out more about the firm at https://www.hydrasun.com/
