RI Cruden Ltd and UHI Inverness have built a strong partnership in apprenticeship training, producing some of Scotland’s most skilled and award-winning engineers. With a shared commitment to excellence in vocational education, this collaboration has consistently developed apprentices who not only succeed in their careers but also achieve national recognition for their skills and dedication.
For two consecutive years, an RI Cruden apprentice 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.
A Legacy of Excellence – 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, spoke about the pride he has 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.”
UHI Inverness recognises RI Cruden’s investment in young people. William MacLeod, Depute Curriculum Leader – Construction Technology at UHI Inverness, emphasised the significance of the partnership in shaping future industry leaders:
“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.”
Beyond individual achievements, RI Cruden Ltd’s dedication to apprenticeships has earned prestigious industry awards, recognising the company’s role in shaping the next generation of skilled professionals:
🏆 SME Employer of the Year 2024 – Scottish Apprenticeships
🏆 Highland Business of the Year 2023
🏆 Net Zero Employer of the Year 2023 – Scottish Apprenticeships
🏆 Net Zero Initiative of the Year 2023 – BESA Apprentice National Awards
🏆 Training Provider of the Year 2023 – BESA Apprentice Scotland Awards
With a strong commitment to skills development, sustainability, and industry leadership, RI Cruden and UHI Inverness continue to set the benchmark for apprenticeship excellence in Scotland.
Applications Now Open – Join Our Award-Winning Team!
We are now accepting applications for our 2025 apprenticeship intake – could you be the next name on this list of champions? If you’re passionate about a career in electrical, heating, or renewable energy, we want to hear from you!
Deadline for applications is 28th March 2025 and more information can be found here.