Orkney stonemason shortlisted for award

An Orkney stonemason who is spearheading a campaign to get more people into apprenticeships, has also been shortlisted for a top award.

Sophie Turner is a Modern Apprentice with Orkney Islands Council and has now joined Skills Development Scotland’s Ambassador Programme. As a Modern Apprentice Ambassador she will share her experience with other young people, encouraging them to consider becoming apprentices of the future.

She been shortlisted for this year’s Apprentice of the Year award, the winner of which will be announced next week.

Sophie said: “I am really enjoying my apprenticeship and want to encourage other people to consider going down this route so I’m delighted to become an Ambassador for the programme.”

The 23-year-old originally completed a degree in photography and film at Napier University in Edinburgh but was keen to move back to Orkney. She started a Modern Apprenticeship last year and her first job is working on St Magnus Cathedral.

She said: “When I spotted the job advert for an apprentice stonemason I never thought for one moment that it might be considered an unusual job choice for a girl. It’s the perfect career for me and I hope that by visiting schools as an ambassador I’ll encourage more young girls to consider jobs that are traditionally thought to be jobs for the boys. I’ve never looked back.”

Sophie’s apprenticeship will provide her with an industry recognised qualification bolstered by on-the-job training and has enabled her to stay in Orkney.