OPENCAST coal mine operator Hargreaves have taken on five new apprentices as the first of their apprenticeship programme.

The five apprentices are looking forward to bright career prospects after becoming the first to join programme.

Hargreaves Surface Mining has been managing surface coal mines in Scotland for just over a year and has been working closely with Ayrshire College to create and deliver an apprenticeship programme which will provide job opportunities, training and career development.

Heavy Vehicle Maintenance students Chris Mechan, 23 from Coylton, Liam Clark, 19 of Kilmarnock, and Elliot Gibson, 16 of Sanquhar, along with Welding and Fabrication students James Allan, 20 from Kirkconnel, and Stuart Watson, 35 from Irvine, will be working on site and attending Ayrshire College on a day-release basis while completing their apprenticeships.

Welding and Fabrication apprentice Stuart Watson said: “It’s a great opportunity for me, particularly as a mature student. Being an apprentice gives you a great advantage as you are learning on the job whilst attending the college to learn new skills. It’s definitely the best of both worlds.” Peter Gillatt, Managing Director of Hargreaves Surface Mining Ltd, said: “Creating opportunities and jobs has been a major aim of our business from the outset and we are really pleased to have been able to work with Ayrshire College to put this programme together relatively quickly.

“We wish the students every success as they start their career in the mining industry and look forward to seeing them grow and go on to play their part in the positive future of the business.” Gavin Murray, Director of Learning and Skills for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths at Ayrshire College, said: “This is a great opportunity for the apprentices to benefit from achieving excellent work-based qualifications combined with on the job experience with a world class organisation. Ayrshire College is delighted to be working in partnership with Hargreaves to provide first class training for their apprentices.”