A Glasgow man working at the ScotRail Alliance has been named Scotland’s apprentice of the year at a recent awards ceremony.
Cameron Shaw, from Govan, scooped the accolade at the Scottish Training Federation’s annual conference at Crieff Hydro.
The 18-year old member of the customer service team beat off competition from employers and training providers from across Scotland to win the prestigious award.
The ScotRail Alliance nominated him after being impressed by his outstanding performance just months into their customer service modern apprentice programme. His manager particularly commended his dedication to developing himself and helping others.
Cameron volunteered to work overtime to help large crowds catch their trains safely during major events to help boost his confidence, as well as learning about timetables and local tourist attractions in his spare time.
Cameron was first encouraged to apply for the apprenticeship by staff at Glasgow Central, with whom he was placed as part of the Get Ready for Work Programme.
During the 18-month scheme, apprentices are trained, paid and given placements in key frontline customer service roles, including station booking office, gateline, ticket examiner and on-train hospitality host. They also complete their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s award.
As well as the customer service modern apprenticeship, the ScotRail Alliance runs an engineering apprenticeship programme, which lasts four years.
Cameron said:
“I’m really honoured to win this award, particularly since the other nominees were all very impressive.
“I’ve learned so much on my apprenticeship so far, it’s taught me what I’m capable of and given the me confidence to know that I can do it.”
ScotRail Alliance HR director John Gillies said:
“This is an outstanding achievement, and we are exceptionally proud of Cameron. He has proven himself, time and again, to be an excellent ambassador for the business. He’s a true model for others.”