Highland firm praised for producing award winning apprentices alongside UHI Inverness
A Highland firm has produced several award winning apprentices over the last few years.
Mechanical, electrical and renewables business RI Cruden has been collaborating with UHI Inverness in vocational education.
For two consecutive years, an apprentice at RI Cruden has been named UHI Inverness Electrical Apprentice of the Year and Scotland Renewable Apprentice of the Year.
This success is a testament to the company’s industry-leading training programme and UHI Inverness’s dedication to developing skilled professionals in electrical and renewable energy sectors.
RI Cruden’s award-winning apprentices:
2005 – Rory Cruden, UHI Inverness Plumbing Apprentice of the Year
2013 – Greg Matheson, UHI Inverness Plumbing Apprentice of the Year
2023 – Finlay Calder, Scotland Renewable Apprentice of the Year (SNIPEF)
2023 – Joe Embelton, UHI Inverness Plumbing Apprentice of the Year
2023 – Michael Vass, Electrical Apprentice Winner – National Champion
2024 – Jude McAskill, Scotland Renewable Apprentice of the Year (SNIPEF)
2024 – Struan Coli, UHI Inverness Electrician Apprentice of the Year
Greg Matheson, RI Cruden apprentice manager and former UHI Inverness Apprentice of the Year winner, says he has pride in the partnership and the success of their apprentices:
"Having come through the apprenticeship route myself, I know the value of high-quality training and the career opportunities it provides.
“At RI Cruden, we have built an apprenticeship programme that not only delivers technical expertise but also fosters a culture of commitment and professionalism.
“Seeing our apprentices develop and receive industry recognition year after year is something we take immense pride in, and it highlights the strength of our collaboration with UHI Inverness."
William Macleod, depute curriculum leader of construction technology at UHI Inverness added: "RI Cruden is an outstanding employer that truly invests in apprentices and their futures.
“Their commitment to training provides young people in the Highlands with exceptional opportunities to develop their skills, gain experience, and build long-term careers.
“The fact that their apprentices continue to be recognised with industry awards speaks volumes about the quality of their programme and the dedication of both RI Cruden and the apprentices themselves.
“We are proud to work with them in developing Scotland’s future tradespeople."
