Young man from Port Glasgow has been named Scotland's apprentice of the year

Robert McLatchie claimed the prize at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards 2018.

The 20-year-old former Port High pupil was recognised for excelling in his job with Bridge of Weir-based Scottish Leather Group (SLG).

Robert was presented with his prize at an awards ceremony in Perth, organised by national agency Skills Development Scotland.

He said: "It feels amazing to win. "I didn't think I would be nominated, never mind win the award.

"I think that for all involved there must be a massive 'thank-you', as I could not have managed this without their help and guidance throughout my apprenticeship. "Receiving this recognition has helped me in my career as I am being sent to university to complete a graduate apprenticeship in engineering - design and manufacture - which is a great course to be participating in."

Robert was put forward for the prize after surpassing the expectations of his manager by displaying a passion for physics, drive and commitment and a great work ethic.

He has now progressed to an engineering design and manufacturing graduate apprenticeship with the leather manufacturer through the University of Strathclyde, enabling employees to study up to masters level and remain in their job.

Robert said: "I've gained a lot during my apprenticeship, particularly communication skills and how to do presentations, as well as health and safety certificates. 

"The apprenticeship within Scottish Leather Group and other apprenticeships as a whole give you an understanding of what it's like to work, in my particular experience, within a manufacturing company rather than going straight from school to university without that practical experience."

SLG is the UK's largest manufacturer of leather with its products widely used in the automotive, aviation, coach and rail industries and for contract furniture.

The company employs 10 manufacturing and production apprentices every two years and recently took on the fourth batch of trainees. 

Nicola Monteith, SLG's HR assistant, said: "A lot of our workforce come from the local community so it's good to maintain that relationship and develop a young workforce to grow the business organically.

"A lot of our past apprentices have progressed within the organisation into technical and supervisory roles. 

"The apprenticeship allows for individuals to gain an appreciation of the entire manufacturing process across the range of subsidiaries. "That's something you can't really buy."