Finlay Mackay from Sutherland is first Modern Apprentice at GMG Energy

Finlay studied fabrication and welding at the Thurso campus of UHI North Highland College, before landing the opportunity to undertake his apprenticeship in mechanical maintenance engineering with GMG Energy. He said: “My tutor at college told me that this apprenticeship opportunity was about to come up and I jumped at the chance to apply. After a week’s trial I was offered the position.

“Together with my employer, I will be learning my trade over the next three years alongside UHI North Highland College, in Thurso, but because I have already done a year at college I will not need to go into class so can build a portfolio with evidence from my practical work that will be completed on site. So far, I am loving it and it’s great to feel part of a small and valued team.”

Founder and owner of GMG Energy, Malcolm Morrison, said: “I knew after his week’s trial that Finlay was the right person for us. Before his apprenticeship gets formally under way in September he has been working with us at our sawmill every day and occasionally helping out with some engineering tasks.

“We want him to enjoy himself while learning his trade and we have high hopes for his progress and ultimate success. Our most important assets are the people working in our business. They give us productivity, their time and commitment. Without them, this business would not be successful and profitable.”

Established in 2016, GMG Energy operates a state-of-the-art sawmill on a farm in the Halladale Strath between Tongue and Thurso, producing kiln-dried logs, chip and sawdust for consumers and wholesalers. It makes door to door deliveries throughout the north Highlands and manufacture timber products for agricultural businesses, builders and consumers. It also supplies bark for garden centres, sawdust for livestock and dried chip for supply to local businesses and councils.