Graduate placement for Forres solar energy firm

The employment of a skilled graduate is helping the UK's oldest solar thermal heating manufacturer, based in Forres, to flourish, as a result of a graduate placement programme. 

GO - Graduate Opportunities in Work is a graduate placement programme encouraging graduates and undergraduates from any area who are looking for a placement or a full-time job, an opportunity to show employers in the Highlands what they are capable of. 

Campbell Maclennan recently joined the team at AES Solar Systems in Forres after graduating from Napier University, Edinburgh with a first class honours degree in engineering, specialising in energy and the environment. 

Following further education and work in Aberdeen, Campbell, 33, lived and worked in Australia, New Zealand and Vietnam, before undertaking his studies in Edinburgh and returning to Moray. 

Established in 1979, AES manufactures, designs, and installs high efficiency solar systems for domestic and commercial buildings that are also available as DIY kits with full instructions and telephone back-up.

As a native of Dufftown, Campbell was keen to return to his roots.  He said:  "It is great to be back in Moray where I have a lot of close connections.  I am grateful that the programme has given me the opportunity to return north and follow my chosen career and I look forward to working on the many different projects with the company in the months ahead." 

"AES Solar Systems approached GO, looking for support in employing an engineer to help them with the demands of the business.  Managing director, George Goudsmit said:  "Campbell has brought a fresh perspective to the business, using his newly acquired skills and knowledge to allow us to tackle bigger projects which provides real benefit to the business."

The GO programme aims to help graduates kick start their career by giving them the experience of working with companies that are linked to their degree discipline while the companies also benefit from an injection of new knowledge in their field.  Graduates are given an invaluable opportunity to work in business using their skills and earning a salary while gaining vital experience.   

The programme is funded by HIE Inverness and East Highland and HIE Moray and is available to businesses in both areas.  The programme offers financial support of up to £5,000 each year and additional assistance is also available to businesses recruiting and training graduates. 

Gavin Mackay, development manager at HIE Moray said:  "The programme attracts graduates to the area where they can use their newly acquired skills and knowledge to the advantage of the community as a whole.  Graduates can spend up to a year with a host company, allowing them to develop personally and professionally while providing real benefits to the business."

Further information is available to those who are interested in benefiting from GO. See: www.hie.co.uk/graduate-opportunities or phone 0800 0326240.