RSE enjoyed a memorable evening at the Highlands & Islands Apprenticeship Awards 2025, held at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness, where the team proudly celebrated an exceptional year of progress, talent and achievement. With nominations across three categories, the night highlighted RSE’s continued dedication to developing the next generation of skilled professionals.
RSE was honoured to be named Large Employer of the Year, recognising our strong commitment to supporting young people and helping them build meaningful careers within the water industry. Through the well-established apprenticeship programme, RSE provides apprentices with high-quality electrical and mechanical trades training, personal development opportunities and hands-on experience across the business. The programme’s success is demonstrated by the outstanding performance of our apprentices, who consistently excel in their chosen disciplines, deliver strong college results, and progress into a wide range of roles throughout the business.
“As a business, we have really prioritised the implementation of an apprenticeship programme which provides real opportunities for young people and nurtures their development within a thriving industry.”
John Pocock
Accepting the award on behalf of the team, RSE Portfolio Director John Pocock, emphasised the importance of investing in future talent:
RSE recognises the importance of apprenticeships as a career pathway for our workforce, and its success is demonstrated in the quality and performance of our current apprentices and that of previous cohorts, who have gone on to achieve prosperous careers and deliver innovative and industry-leading projects for the water sector”.
“I’m honoured to be an ambassador for the apprentices I look after within my role at RSE, but special thanks also goes to the wider team who oversee the delivery of the apprenticeship programme and its continued success year on year”.
Mike Campbell
The celebrations continued as Mike Campbell, RSE’s Apprentice Training Officer, was announced winner of the Apprentice Ambassador Award, recognising his exceptional dedication to supporting and championing young people within RSE. Mike plays a vital role in guiding every apprentice through their training, ensuring they gain the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to succeed. Grateful for the recognition, Mike said:
“I’m thrilled to have received this award and would like to express my thanks to the University of Highlands & Islands Inverness (UHI) for their ongoing support as training provider, their input ensures the success of our apprentices as they undertake the programme.”
Another highlight of the evening came as Joshua Morrison, RSE 3rd-year Pipefitter/Welder Apprentice, was shortlisted for Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year. As a finalist in a highly competitive category, Joshua received a Special Recognition Award for his commitment, initiative and proactive approach throughout his apprenticeship. His achievement is a testament to the hard work, strong mentorship and the comprehensive support provided throughout the programme by both RSE and UHI Inverness. As Support Sponsor for the event, RSE was delighted to celebrate its own success as well as that of the many talented finalists and winners recognised on the night. The evening reflected not only individual accomplishments, but the collective dedication of the RSE team to shaping the future workforce and strengthening the water industry for years to come.
