A KILBOWIE apprentice is building a promising career after she triumphed in a prestigious competition in Glasgow.

Laura Black overcame stiff competition from nine finalists to win the Trades House of Glasgow Modern Apprentice Award last week. The third year apprentice pipe fitter was one of four colleagues from BAE Systems selected as finalists. with sheet metal work apprentice Ainsley Donoghue coming in second place.

Laura attended the awards ceremony straight from an exam for her HNC, which she is studying as part of her apprenticeship with the shipbuilder in Scotstoun.

The 20-year-old told the Post: “I am so surprised. It was so tense as they counted down the finalists until there was just Ainsley and I in the final two.

“For the both of us to be among the top three is amazing.

“I’m really proud and so are my family — my mum came over from Campbeltown with my dad and she shed a wee tear when I won. It’s good to know your hard work has paid off and someone recognises your achievements.” Laura added: “I love working for BAE Systems, everyone is so friendly, the training is really good and they give you lots of opportunities.

“It has helped give me confidence and grow as a person. I have met lots of senior people too, like our MD Mick Ord and supply chain director Paul Brown and their door is always open so you can always go to them for help too.” Laura was presented with an inscribed trophy, which will remain on display in the Trades Hall in Glassford Street, Glasgow. She also received an inscribed replica of the trophy, a cash prize of £500 towards further studies and a certificate.

Mick Ord, managing director of BAE Systems Naval Ships, said: “We are all very proud that Laura has been named Glasgow’s modern apprentice of the year.

“It’s an achievement she should be rightly proud of and shows the calibre of apprentices coming through our programmes.

“Many of our senior leaders started their careers as apprentices, which shows there is no limit to where an apprenticeship can take you. “We recognise the importance of helping each and every one of our apprentices to reach their full potential. They are the lifeblood of our early careers programme and the future of our business, so I am delighted that four of our brightest have been honoured in the finals of the Trades House Modern Apprenticeship Awards.” The Trades House of Glasgow Modern Apprentice Awards celebrate a learning path established in medieval Scotland by the historic crafts that make up the organisation today. They aim to encourage apprentices of all ages to become proficient in their chosen vocation, taking up and continuing the traditional trades.