A PORT Glasgow apprentice hand-picked to work for Strathclyde Partnership for Transport was welcomed by their Inverclyde representative — who shares the exact same name.

David Wilson, who is currently working towards a higher national certificate in engineering systems at West College Scotland, was one of a number of young people selected when the apprentice scheme was reintroduced by SPT’s Eileen Russell.

He came through an assessment centre and interview process before being chosen and was welcomed to the fold by Councillor David Wilson who represents the district on the regional agency.

Councillor Wilson said:  “It was a delight to meet the young David Wilson and find out about this fantastic opportunity he has found at SPT through their Modern Apprenticeship scheme.

“I wish David and the other apprentices the very best for their future careers within the organisation.”

SPT official Ms Russell praised David and his fellow new recruits for their impressive start.

She said: “We are absolutely delighted with our selection.

“The new modern apprentices have fitted into the team really well and are proving themselves to be keen and enthusiastic to learn.

“Working closely with our mature apprentices is a great learning opportunity, it gives the mature apprentices the chance to demonstrate how much they can teach the new guys.”

David also had the opportunity to meet the minister for employability and training, Jamie Hepburn, when he visited SPT’s Broomloan Depot as part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week.

Following the visit, Mr Hepburn said: “Apprenticeships are life-changing opportunities – providing the chance, not only to work and earn, but also to achieve an industry recognised qualification to support future career ambitions.

“They are also a fantastic way for all employers in Scotland, regardless of size and sector, to develop their workforce and contribute to business and economic growth.

“I am delighted to see SPT join the growing number of employers in Scotland who are delivering new and innovative modern apprenticeships and want to offer my congratulations to the successful candidates and wish them all the best in their future careers.”