LOCHORE'S Tiegan Duff is enjoying the first stages of an exciting career in engineering, after securing a Modern Apprenticeship (MA) with Babcock.

The 18-year-old applied for the job with the engineering firm after undertaking a Foundation Apprenticeship while still at school.

Foundation Apprenticeships are for pupils who can choose them alongside their other subjects, such as Highers.

This means pupils can get out of the classroom and into college and the workplace with local employers.

Former Lochgelly High School pupil Tiegan said: “The Foundation Apprenticeship gave me an insight into a career in engineering, as well as the relevant skills and knowledge towards gaining a Modern Apprenticeship.

“By doing the Foundation Apprenticeship first, I had already gained skills and knowledge which I could transfer over to the MA, so I found the transition easier.”

Since starting her Modern Apprenticeship with Babcock last August, mechanical engineering apprentice Tiegan has been attending classes at Fife College and spending time with her employer.

From June, she will be based at Babcock’s 300-acre site in Rosyth, where she may have the opportunity to work on major projects, such as HMS Prince of Wales, the second Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier being built for the Royal Navy, as well as smaller vessels and in the machine shop.

She said: “I am really enjoying college, especially the practical side of things.

“But I’m also looking forward to being out on site – I can’t wait. It will be a good change and a great opportunity to learn from engineers who are already working for Babcock.”

Tiegan’s Modern Apprenticeship will take her between three and four years to complete. At the end, she’ll be fully qualified to pursue a career as an engineer – and she’s keen to progress with Babcock.

It’s not just technical skills which she’s gaining through her apprenticeship – she’s growing in confidence, developing her people skills, and she’s enjoying the regular wage too.

Julie McCluskey, Early Careers Advisor at Babcock’s Rosyth site, said: “We were really excited to welcome our new apprentices to the team in August last year.

“They brought a range of good experience with them, having all completed a National Certificate in their chosen trade. Some of the group already had previous experience in the industry too.

“It’s really important that we ensure our apprentices gain essential skills, knowledge and experience for the future.”