Recognised for Excellence: Martin Oates’ Apprenticeship Journey
Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year. That’s the recognition Martin Oates earned from the Institute of Refrigeration last year, a distinction that reflects not just technical excellence, but the transformative power of investing in young engineering talent. This Scottish Apprenticeship Week, we’re proud to celebrate Martin’s achievements and the broader impact that structured, professionally focused apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses, and the engineering sector.
Martin’s story represents more than individual success. It highlights what becomes possible when a business commits to structured development pathways, experienced mentorship and meaningful exposure to professional industry networks across its engineering teams.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week provides an opportunity to recognise the impact that high-quality engineering apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and the wider industrial sector. At CPA Engineered Solutions, investing in young talent is central to how we build long-term engineering capability across our business and ensure the future strength of our organisation and the industries we support.
This year, we are proud to celebrate Martin Oates, an apprentice within our Refrigeration Division, whose dedication and ambition continue to gain recognition across the UK sector. After being named Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year by the Institute of Refrigeration last year, Martin was invited to attend the Institute’s annual awards dinner in London. This invitation reflects not only his achievement, but his growing involvement within the professional refrigeration community.
At CPA Engineered Solutions, our apprenticeship programmes are designed to provide more than technical qualifications. They create stable and clearly defined career pathways, combining academic learning with hands-on site experience across real projects throughout Scotland.
Reflecting on his journey, Martin said:
“My time as an apprentice has been both enjoyable and rewarding. The support CPA have offered me as well as Glasgow Kelvin College has allowed me to unlock my full potential. This provided me with a stable and optimistic career path.”
Working alongside experienced engineers is a core part of our apprenticeship programme. Exposure to different backgrounds, technical approaches and working methods allows apprentices to develop confidence as well as competence. As Martin explains:
“Working with various engineers with different backgrounds has been beneficial. This has provided me the opportunity to learn different working methods and tap into engineers’ experiences. This supportive atmosphere was a positive factor and helped me to be nominated for an award with the Institute of Refrigeration.”
Early in his apprenticeship, Martin became aware of the IOR Scotland Apprentice of the Year award and used it as a clear professional goal. That focus paid off in his second year.
“Being aware of this award early on in my career let me work towards a goal which I achieved in my 2nd year. Winning Apprentice of the Year has been an honour and helped me to connect with individuals in the IOR and work on projects to further my career experiences.”
Recognition from the Institute of Refrigeration is highly regarded within the UK industrial refrigeration sector. It represents both technical ability and professional commitment. Martin’s continued engagement with the Institute demonstrates the long-term value of encouraging apprentices to participate in industry networks.
“Being invited to the annual dinner as a guest of the Institute was an honour which I am grateful for. To meet committee members in person after working online together was a fantastic experience.”
He further added:
“Meeting the Scottish IOR committee was another great opportunity. The unwavering support the Scottish IOR continue to give myself is appreciated at this early stage of my career. I was delighted to accept an invitation to join the EngTech Section committee within the IOR. I look forward to working with the Institute.”
For CPA Engineered Solutions, developing engineering talent is not a short-term initiative. Structured apprenticeships, meaningful site experience and encouragement to engage with professional bodies are all part of creating long-term career progression within industrial refrigeration.
Martin’s experience reflects this commitment clearly:
“CPA during this period were incredibly proud and supportive, this has greatly improved my work life as I know CPA truly care for my career ambitions. I look forward to working with the IOR in the future and I’m excited to progress with my career at CPA.”
During Apprenticeship Week, we celebrate not only Martin’s achievements, but the wider importance of investing in engineering apprenticeships. By supporting young professionals and providing clear pathways into industrial refrigeration, we are helping to secure the future of our industry across Scotland and the UK.
At CPA Engineered Solutions, developing the next generation of engineers remains fundamental to our long-term vision.
