Two island youths secure industry apprenticeships with Lewis Wind Power backing
4 June 2025
Two young people from Stornoway have been given the chance to get their foot on the
career ladder with local companies, thanks to funding from wind farm developer Lewis
Wind Power.
John Maciver & Sons and I A & C Maciver, which specialise in the supply of machinery
and aggregate for construction and industry, have both welcomed a fully-funded apprentice
for a three-year term. The funds from Lewis Wind Power aim to retain young talent
on the island in support of Lewis’s burgeoning green energy industry.
Lewis Wind Power, a 50:50 joint venture between EDF Renewables UK and ESB, is the
developer behind the Stornoway wind farm project which has consent in place for 33
turbines on land to the west of Stornoway, owned by The Stornoway Trust.
Following a recruitment process, the successful candidates started their apprenticeships
in May and will be working with the respective companies to gain hands-on experience
while studying at college.
Katie Morrison, 19, is set to complete an apprenticeship in plant operations with
specialist aggregate suppliers I A & C Maciver.
Katie said: “It has been so exciting to take up my post as an apprentice plant operator.
My hands-on experience with machinery in crofting has sparked my passion for industry,
and I’m grateful for the chance to grow my skills locally through my apprenticeship
with I A & C Maciver – a key player in our island economy.”
Ian Maciver, director with I A & C Maciver, said: “Renewable energy offers a bright
future for the Lewis economy, building on the skills and expertise already present
in local companies. We are excited to support Katie as she embarks on this promising
new career in machinery operations, thanks to this valued support from Lewis Wind
Power.”
Joining the crane and plant hire business John Maciver & Sons as an apprentice crane
operator is Rhys Parry, aged 22, who is training in crane operations, banksman skills
and lift supervision.
Rhys said: “I am incredibly grateful to all at John Maciver & Sons, as well as Lewis
Wind Power, for providing this opportunity. I am already learning new skills, gaining
operators’ tickets and building a career in a way which would never have been possible
without this valuable support.”
Lewis Wind Power said their support for the new apprentices signals its ongoing commitment
to long-term investment in skills and infrastructure in the local area, as the Stornoway
wind farm project progresses towards pre-development works in the coming months.
Logan Black, project manager, at Lewis Wind Power said: “We are delighted to support
Katie and Rhys as they start their careers in mechanics and operations with John
Maciver & Sons and I A & C Maciver – both leading providers of logistical services
which are key to the development of Lewis’s green energy industry.
“Through this initiative, we are proud to nurture the young talent which is so essential
to the delivery of projects such as Stornoway wind farm, and invest in long-term,
high quality employment opportunities on these islands.”
Katie Morrison is training to be a plant operator
Rhys Parry is a crane operation apprentice
