Modern Apprentice Awards 2009
Jason Hunter, a 35-year-old Falkirk man, was named as the country's top apprentice at Skills Development 
Scotland's Modern Apprenticeship Awards on 9 December 2009.
Jason won the Traditional Sector Over 20 category and went on to compete against 11 other finalists from all over Scotland before taking the Apprentice of the Year title.
His achievement is amazing because when he left school, Jason lacked any confidence in his abilities. Now, thanks to his Modern Apprenticeship training this mature student has a future, a skilled trade and a career in the making.
Electrical engineer Jason said: "I am over the moon. I have to say I was shocked when I heard my name but I am absolutely delighted".
"I don't know how I am going to tell the team I work with. I think I will probably just take the award in, pop it on the table and wait to see what they say," he said.
Michael Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning said "The Modern Apprentice programme is a key part of that - providing training to help us build and maintain the infrastructure needed to develop a skilled workforce. The Scottish Government, through Skills Development Scotland, has continued to invest in the programme this year which will ensure that our workforce is fully and appropriately equipped when economic conditions improve.
"I want to congratulate all those who received awards and also their employers and training providers who are working hard to support them in building their future careers."
The winners of the categories for the Modern Apprenticeship Awards were:
Apprentice of the Year Traditional sector aged 16-19 - Richard Sagar,
Apprentice of the Year Traditional sector aged 20 or over - Jason Hunter,
Apprentice of the Year Non-traditional sector aged 16-19 - Amanda Mainland,
Apprentice of the Year Non-traditional sector aged 20 or over - Carolyn Donnelly,
Small Employers - less than 50 employees - The Buccleuch Arms Hotel,
Medium Employers - between 50 and 249 employees - ACE Winches,
Large Employers - over 250 employees - Scottish Gas,
Partnership - Rolls-Royce and Anniesland College,
Learning Provider - GTG Training Specialists,
Outstanding Achievement winner - Jason Hunter,
Community Challenge winner - OPITO.