SOME of the city's newest recruits kicked off their apprenticeships with a meeting with a top government minister.

UK Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom MP along with new SNP MPs Alison Thewliss and Carol Monaghan, joined SSE's new staff at their office in Hope Street.

The Minister joined apprentices Megan Dougan, an 18-year-old from Pollok in Glasgow who is studying towards a Foundation Degree in Electrical Power Engineering; Craig Martin, an 18-year-old first year electrical apprentice from Denny in Falkirk; and Morna Grant, a 21-year-old first year plumbing apprentice from Stirling.

Last month SSE welcomed 169 new apprentices into the company, 73 based in Scotland.

Since 2007, SSE has hired more than 800 apprentices, investing £64m - £80,000 for every new recruit.

This comes at a time when the energy sector is facing a skills gap with 50% of the industry workforce expected to leave or retire by 2023.

More than 200,000 new recruits will be needed – ensuring strong career prospects for those entering the industry.

Andrea Leadsom MP, Minister of State at the Department for Energy and Climate Change, said: “It’s great to meet SSE’s new intake of apprentices here in Glasgow.

"Apprenticeships give young people a secure future, valuable experience, a regular pay packet and a recognised qualification.

"Not only does this give them a great opportunity but it also helps to drive our economy forward as we compete on the world’s stage.”

Gary Hamilton, SSE’s Technical Training Manager, said: “It’s a special start to our apprentices’ career getting an audience with the Energy Minister.

"Our new recruits have a bright future in a burgeoning industry.

"Investing in apprentices and trainees is vital for the future of SSE the energy industry and the country.

“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way into a highly-skilled and long-term career.

"And with 95% of our recruits staying with us after they’ve completed their training SSE is a great place to learn a trade.

"We’ve already opened our recruitment process for next year’s intake and look forward to welcoming even more trainees to the company.”

Anyone looking for further information on a career with SSE can find this at http://sse.com/Careers/