A CLACKS-BASED electrical engineer has been crowned Ambassador of the Year at a prestigious awards show.

Cameron MacDonald won the award at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards on Thursday, March 4.

The 21-year-old, who is an operational technology lead at Diageo's Alloa base, volunteers his time to promote apprenticeships at schools and events, even taking part in videos and attending an event at the Scottish Parliament.  

Cameron said: "It's a great privilege to win and it's not something I ever thought would happen.

"My main goal was and still is to inspire young people into a career path that could potentially change their lives and that will be something I will assist with for years to come.

"The recognition is welcomed and massively appreciated."

After he completed his modern apprenticeship in electrical engineering, Cameron continued his career journey in Alloa. 

Now he is combining that job with a graduate apprenticeship that will ultimately lead to a degree in Engineering and Electrical Design and Manufacture at Heriot-Watt University. 

Cameron, from Bathgate, added: "Since I completed my modern apprenticeship, I'm now operational technology lead alongside my graduate apprenticeship.   

"Within that, I'm working mostly on control systems and with the global engineering team on cyber security.  

"Diageo wanted to get me into a position where the company benefits, and I do too. 

"This work is of the level I required to match the degree I'm doing.

"We are currently in the process of upgrading a lot of systems, so I'm directly involved in that." 

His long-standing passion for electrics started in his childhood when he used to repair toy cars and that same enthusiasm has driven his apprenticeship journey. 

Cameron said: "I always wanted to be an electrical engineer. When I was about 10, I used to buy old Scalextric cars and fix them up. 

"I've always had a fascination with electrics and when I'm passionate about something like engineering then I really focus and succeed." 

Frank Mitchell, chair of Skills Development Scotland, said: "Businesses backing talent through apprenticeships will play a crucial role in supporting Scotland's recovery from the pandemic.

"The Scottish Apprenticeship Awards show the value apprentices add to employers and the economy.

"In the most challenging of years, our fantastic winners and finalists show that apprenticeships provide the skills that employers and Scotland need for the future.

"Cameron is a great example of apprenticeships unlocking potential and changing lives."