DYW Keyworker Campaign: Stuart Bowman

Apprentice Welder, Stuart Bowman, is among the key workers at Babcock’s Rosyth site during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the last three years, the 26-year-old from Cowdenbeath has been training as a Coded Welder in three types of welding disciplines – MWA (Stick Welding), Flux Core (Arc Welding) and TIG (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding).

Whilst working towards the internationally recognised British Standard BS9606, Stuart has achieved qualifications during his apprenticeship, including an SVQ2 in Performing Engineering Operations, an NC in Welding and Fabrication and an HNC in Welding, Fabrication and Inspection.

Stuart, who is “proud” to be a key worker, said: “Before starting my apprenticeship at Babcock, I worked in a supermarket. I wanted to have a career and was attracted to welding. I completed my NC in Welding and Fabrication at Fife College, which I really enjoyed. It helped me to make the decision that this was the career path I wanted to take. I completed my HNC and was then successful in my application for a Babcock apprenticeship.”

“I have been supported throughout my apprenticeship by my manager and the Early Careers team. No matter what question I ask, I always get an answer. Working as part of a team, communication, motivation and problem-solving are really important to me. They all help me to do my job well. I am also lucky enough to have the fantastic opportunity to work on amazing feats of engineering, whilst working towards my goal of achieving a great career.”

Stuart’s main piece of advice to school-leavers is to “go for it!”

He added: “Getting an apprenticeship – especially with Babcock – has been amazing. I’m looking forward to achieving my career goal of becoming a qualified welder.”

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