Snow problem for Syd!

A former Youth Trainee from Gairloch has been busy behind the wheel of a snow plough keeping routes across Wester Ross open during the recent wintry weather.

Syd Tippett (19) joined the Highland Council’s Roads Maintenance Team at the Gairloch depot in June last year as a Youth Trainee. As part of Syd’s development the Council’s Employability team funded him to attend a Cat C driving course (HGV) which has led him to take up a full-time position with the local Roads Team.

Staff from the Council’s Employability team, and his Community Services colleagues, have also supported Syd to attend Highlands and Islands fire training so he now also has a role as a retained trainee fire fighter and is on stand-by for call outs within his own community.

Syd’s Supervisor Laura MacAllister said: “Syd has become a valuable addition to the staff and the injection of youth has portrayed a need to attract a younger generation into the workforce.”

The Highland Council’s Chair of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Allan Henderson praised Syd for his achievements and hard work. He said: “Living in a rural location often brings specific challenges to young people as employment opportunities are often limited so this leads to folk moving away to improve their work prospects.

“I’m delighted that Syd has taken so well to his new full-time job with the local team. With the recent spell of bad weather, his skills behind the wheel have certainly been an asset. I wish him well and congratulate him also on his important fire- fighting role which will certainly benefit his community.”

The Youth Trainee Programme is supported through the European Social Fund.

For further information on the work of the Council’s Employability team please contact the Council’s Employment Support Adviser on 01463 702384.