RGU graduate named Net Zero Apprentice of the Year

Kiera, 23, from Buckie in Moray, completed a Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) in Engineering: Instrumentation, Measurement and Control at RGU while working for aes renewables. She recently graduated with a first-class honours degree, marking the culmination of four years of academic and professional achievement.

Kiera joined aes renewables in 2021 in a technical administration role. Through RGU’s GA programme, she steadily upskilled and progressed within the business, becoming a key member of the company’s in-house design team and its first female engineer.

Now working as a solar PV designer, Kiera has delivered photovoltaic (PV) systems for high-profile sites including Edinburgh Castle. Her role involves producing detailed PV system designs, managing complex G99 grid applications and serving as a trusted point of contact for distribution network operators across Scotland.

In addition, Kiera leads technical support within the company’s maintenance team, helping to ensure renewable energy systems are connected safely and efficiently. While her technical expertise plays a vital role in delivering renewable infrastructure, her impact extends far beyond the workplace.

A passionate advocate for STEM education, Kiera regularly engages with schools and colleges across Moray and the Highlands, encouraging young people, particularly girls, to consider careers in engineering and renewable energy. By sharing her own journey, she offers a relatable and honest perspective on the opportunities that GAs can provide.

Growing up in Buckie, Kiera once believed that pursuing a career in engineering without leaving her hometown would be out of reach. Through RGU’s GA pathway, she has demonstrated that it is possible to build a successful, high-impact career while remaining rooted in the local community.

Her journey reflects the strength of RGU’s work-based learning model, which enables students to gain industry experience while studying, equipping them with the skills and confidence to contribute meaningfully to Scotland’s Net Zero ambitions.

This national award builds on previous recognition for Kiera’s achievements. In December 2025, she was named Graduate Apprentice of the Year at the Highlands and Islands Apprenticeship Awards.

Gregg Walker, Graduate Apprenticeship Manager at Robert Gordon University, said: "Kiera’s success is a powerful example of what can be achieved through GAs. Her dedication, technical expertise and commitment to inspiring others embody the values we strive to instil in our students. We are immensely proud to see her recognised on a national stage."

Kiera added: “The GA gave me the chance to gain real-world experience while studying, which built my confidence and skills from day one. I hope my journey shows other young people, especially girls from more rural areas, that engineering is both accessible and achievable. For me, the most exciting part is contributing to the transition to net zero. It’s vital for our future, and we simply can’t rely on fossil fuels for much longer.”

RGU continues to work closely with industry partners to develop the skilled workforce required to support Scotland’s transition to Net Zero, with Graduate Apprenticeships playing a key role in that mission.

If you are considering a GA, take a look at the GA courses available through RGU. If you are an employer interested in working with RGU, please email gaemployer@rgu.ac.uk.