As the new Nairn Academy takes shape, some of the proudest members of the construction and build team are those in the early stages of their careers – the apprentices who are our workforce of the future.
A total of 24 apprenticeships have been created through the project by Balfour Beatty and its supply chain partners.
Avia MacDonald, a former pupil of Grantown Grammar, joined Balfour Beatty as a Health, Safety and Wellbeing Apprentice in August 2024.
She recently attended a ‘Future Ready’ apprenticeship event to showcase her route into the world of work and discuss options open to current pupils in Nairn.
The company also created a ‘work experience week’ for some of the school’s pupils, including courses in Health and Safety Awareness and Construction Skills.
Avia explained why she opted for an apprenticeship after leaving school.
“The opportunity to earn money, gain qualifications and build practical experience made the apprenticeship an easy choice,” she said.
“I didn’t want to study for years without setting foot on a construction site. It was a no brainer.”
Joining established site teams as a young apprentice can be challenging, but Avia says her confidence has grown significantly and she is keen to keep progressing in her career.
“I’m not afraid to speak up now,” she added. “I’ve learned how to say when something isn’t right and give advice on how to fix it.
“In the future I’d like to become an advisor, then a manager and keep progressing within health and safety.”
Her top tip for new apprentices is to: “Ask questions and observe. You’ll learn so much just by watching others.”
Chair of Highland Council’s Education Committee, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “When the council delivers projects like Nairn Academy, it’s an investment in people as well as in facilities.
“It is very encouraging to hear the stories of young apprentices who bring fresh ideas, talent and energy and play a key role in delivering essential services for our communities.
“With many more projects, including new schools, set to follow in the coming years as part of the Highland Investment Plan we are committed to expanding opportunities across the organisation so even more people can benefit from work‑based learning.”
Chair of Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: “As the new school nears completion, it’s an exciting time for the school and local community.
“The Highland Council and Scottish Government investment in Nairn is delivering real benefits in education, infrastructure and jobs.
“As the Highland Investment Plan projects roll out, apprenticeships and professional development are a key part of our workforce strategy.
“They give people the chance to earn, learn and build confidence while developing valuable skills in the workplace.”
Case Study: Project brings design team member full circle
Work to deliver the brand-new Nairn Academy has brought one former pupil full circle and back to the place which set him on his way to a successful design and construction career.
William Fettes works for Highland Council as Principal Technical Officer in design and construction. He is currently Employers Agent overseeing the project for the new 800-pupil secondary school, which is now approaching its final stages.
William, who joined the council in 2011, describes the role at Nairn as an ‘honour and a privilege’. He studied at Nairn between 1992 and 1998, before going on to study and train within the Architectural profession.
He added: “As a former pupil of Nairn Academy, being involved in the design and construction of the replacement school carries real personal significance for me.
“It has been incredibly rewarding to return to a place that played such an important role in my own education and to contribute to its future in a meaningful way.
“My early interests in art, graphic communication and craft and design began there and ultimately shaped my career and love for architecture.
“These subjects fostered creativity and an understanding of how thoughtful design can shape the spaces we live and learn in.
“That early passion ultimately influenced my career in the built environment, so my involvement in this project feel like a natural and full-circle progression.”
For William, energy-efficient and environmentally responsible design have been key in the project, as he explained: “My role on the project includes administration of the building contract and I’m also responsible for carrying out design and technical reviews and overseeing technical compliance and quality to ensure a high standard of project delivery.
“This helps ensure the school is delivered to a high standard, represents value for money, and meets the long-term needs of staff, pupils, and the wider community.
“A key focus is on promoting sustainable design and construction practices. As a certified Passivhaus Designer, I am committed to delivering buildings that are energy-efficient, comfortable, and environmentally responsible.
“By embedding sustainable, energy-efficient solutions we are helping to create a building that will serve future generations with comfortable, low-carbon learning environments.
“Working on the replacement school has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. While the project demands hard work, attention to detail and close collaboration, there is a genuine sense of achievement in seeing a new building take shape.
“It is especially fulfilling to know that this school will serve future pupils for decades to come, providing high-quality spaces that support learning, creativity, and wellbeing.
“Being able to contribute to the future of Nairn Academy in this way is both a professional privilege and a personal honour – bringing together my passion for architecture, sustainability, and education in a project that will leave a lasting legacy.”