Apprentice Stories
Ready to apply for our apprenticeship but not sure what the job is actually like? Wondering what you might get up to, and what sort of projects you will work on? Check out some stories from a few of our current apprentices!
Which Trade?
Unsure of what’s right for you? Explore our diverse apprenticeship pathways across different roles and trades.
Why Become An Apprentice?
Find out what makes our apprenticeship program the ideal start to your professional journey.
Apprenticeship FAQ's
Before you apply, check out our FAQs to understand the benefits and requirements of an RI Cruden apprenticeship.
Applications for our 2026 Apprenticeships Programme are now closed.
We want to extend a huge thank you to all those who got in touch, the quality of applications we saw this year was fantastic. If you didn’t quite make it through this time, don’t be discouraged. If you haven’t already, click the link below to sign up to our newsletter to hear about any new vacancies, we hope to see your passion and talent again in the future!
Apprentice Stories
Click the profile pictures now to read all about their Ri Cruden story!
Which Trade is Right For Me?
Electrical
Electrical apprentices receive comprehensive training in the installation, testing, and maintenance of modern electrical systems across diverse sectors. You will develop critical skills in reading schematics, fault diagnosis, and adhering to stringent safety and wiring regulations, positioning you as a highly competent professional essential to all construction and infrastructure projects.
Plumbing
Upon joining our plumbing team, you will learn the core principles of installing and maintaining water, drainage, and heating systems. Training emphasises precision pipework, appliance installation, and troubleshooting water flow issues. You’ll also work with modern sustainable water technologies, focusing on water conservation and efficient heating systems to meet current environmental and safety standards.
Choosing a trade can be tough, but it all comes down to what you enjoy doing most. At RI Cruden, all our apprenticeships offer the same award-winning training and equal pay, but the day-to-day work is very different.
Think about what excites you, and see which one is the perfect fit!
Heating and Ventilation
As an HVAC Apprentice, you will become proficient in the design, installation, servicing, and repair of advanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment. This apprenticeship is heavily focused on working with low-carbon technologies like air source and ground source heat pumps, ensuring maximum energy efficiency, and delivering optimal environmental comfort while minimising environmental impact.
Service and Facilities Management
The Facilities Management and Servicing Apprentice gains a valuable, broad skillset vital for property upkeep and operational continuity. This role involves planned and reactive maintenance, site safety management, and technical repairs. You will be instrumental in monitoring and optimising building performance, ensuring that systems, including sustainable installations, are running efficiently and compliantly.
Why Choose to Become an Apprentice?
Possibly you’ve heard about apprenticeships? Maybe you know someone who has done one before? An apprenticeship is much more than just a job—it’s a full-time, paid role that acts as a fast-track into a long-term, skilled career. Instead of paying tuition fees, you earn a salary while working towards an industry-recognised qualification. In our opinion, It’s the best of both worlds, you get to leave the classroom behind and start building your future with real-world experience, dedicated mentorship, and a clear path for promotion.
So...what are the some of the benefits of an apprenticeship with Ri Cruden?
With us, you start earning a competitive salary from day one, giving you financial independence right away. Receiving wages for both your work on site and for the time you spend studying at college, you are able to earn money, as you progress with your qualifications, whilst we cover the full cost of your training, qualifications, and industry accreditations!
Our apprenticeship program is designed around hands-on experience in live installations and maintenance, especially in the fast-growing renewables sector. Learn the job by doing the job, supported by our fantastic team of engineers and fellow apprentices.
At RI Cruden, we believe your apprenticeship is just the beginning…. we see you as our future leadership. Your career path is clearly mapped out, and after you successfully complete your training and become a fully qualified tradesperson, the doors open to specialisation, supervisory roles, and management open. Many of our current project managers and even our company directors started their successful careers right here as apprentices.
You’ll finish your apprenticeship with fully-funded, official qualifications (like those from UHI Inverness or Glasgow Kelvin College) that are respected and recognised across the entire industry. That means your skills are valued anywhere!
With our apprenticeship scheme nationally recognised through multiple industry awards, our apprentices receive an exceptional level of training and on-site experience. We’ve been named Net Zero Employer of the Year and SME Employer of the Year at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards. You’ll be joining a team known for success.
We offer a unique, equal pay structure where all apprentices—regardless of whether they’re Electrical, Plumbing, Heating or Service, receive the same excellent rate of pay.
Apprenticeship FAQ's
Thinking about an apprenticeship and want to know the finer details? Still feeling confused about how it all works? Take a look at our FAQs, and hopefully you’ll likely find the answers to any questions you have about the program!
What do you look for in an application?
A strong application shows genuine interest in the trade, evidence of hands‑on effort, a willingness to learn, and the right attitude, backed up by a clear CV that highlight your motivation, experience, and commitment to building a career with us. Why not check out our blog post for some insider tips and tricks before applying?
How will I balance work and study?
Your training is structured using a block-release model. Instead of attending college every week, you will be released from your regular work site responsibilities in dedicated ‘blocks’ of time for concentrated college tuition. This ensures you have dedicated time for both practical work experience and formal academic learning.
How long does the apprenticeship take?
All our apprenticeship schemes take around 4 years to complete, depending on college dates and project timelines!
Where will I be working?
You will be based within our Renewable Innovation Centre in Inverness, but with jobs across all our departments all over the country, you could be working anywhere from Inverness to Elgin and Isle of Skye to Glasgow each and every day!
Who can apply to an Ri Cruden apprenticeship?
We welcome school leavers, college students, and career changers who have a passion for engineering, construction, and renewables. Opportunities are available for mature apprentices! Age is no barrier at RI Cruden.
Can I apply for more than one position?
If you still aren’t sure which area you would like to work in, why not apply for more than one department! We encourage you to apply for any and all positions for which you meet the required qualifications and have a genuine interest.