At the same time, Carly Sommerville has become an advocate for women and girls in the heavy plant industry, spreading the word about job options in the traditionally male-dominated sector. 

And it’s, in large part, thanks to the support the 18-year-old has received from the Connect2Renewables Employability Initiative. 

Working with Carly since she left Lesmahagow High School aged 16, the council team behind the project was able to offer an employment incentive to Raeburn Brick for whom she has worked at their Blantyre quarry since early 2023. 

Now, after just 12 months with the company, Carly has become a valued member of the Raeburn team.

The former Lesmahagow High School pupil credits Connect2Renewables, and specifically Employer Engagement team manager Danny Sneddon, for helping her on the road to a job she loves.

She said: “I left school with the intention of working at stables as a groom but the love for horses fizzled out and I lost interest. So, my dad, who drives plant himself, asked me if I wanted a try out on a digger; I went for a trial and loved it! Straight away I wanted to look into getting my tickets so I could work on sites and that’s when I got in contact with Danny.

"He and the team have been fantastic, supporting me all through my journey so far. It’s not just the funding, but the contact and work they do with, and for, you.

“I’ve enjoyed being a part of the ‘women in plant’ working group as it gives me the chance to give back a little and to encourage other females into our industry by going along to chat to them at schools, colleges, work events, etc.

“Now that I’ve passed my HGV test, that is opening up other avenues and made me even more keen to progress as far as I possibly can.”

Danny Sneddon (below left) is also delighted with just how well Carly’s experience has turned out: “I first met Carly when she was 16 and leaving school, and even though her initial job plans didn’t work out, we were able to continue to offer support with her new career plan.

“We set up a wage subsidy with Raeburn to create employment and training for Carly with the funding support provided by Connect2 Renewables. 

“At each stage she met various targets and developed within her role, gaining relevant skills that ultimately led to an SVQ, and now, of course, her licence to drive and operate an HGV. 

“She is now on a tangible and potentially rewarding career path, thanks also to the faith shown in her by Raeburn. Not only does her story demonstrate the benefits and varied opportunities provided by the fund, but it's a testament to the determination and drive of our young people.” 

Tommy Campbell, Quarry Manager with Raeburn Brick (above centre) believes the partnership with the Fund and its work with dedicated young people is a recipe for success. He explained: “We at Raeburn Brick recognise the need for a steady stream of skilled, young, and enthusiastic workers coming into any manufacturing industry to ensure a strong and vibrant economic environment and community.

“The cooperation from the South Lanarkshire team has been invaluable from both ours and Carly’s viewpoint, everybody pulling in the same direction to achieve the maximum progress and outcome.

“As a result, the experience for each party has been very positive, so much so that we would welcome any similar opportunity and look forward to working together in the future.” 

The South Lanarkshire Council and OnPath Energy (formerly Banks Renewables) Employability Initiative partnership is funded from a proportion of the community benefit funds from Middle Muir Wind Farm, Crawfordjohn, and Kype Muir Wind Farm, Strathaven.

People who are workless or unemployed, and who live within 10km of either Wind Farm can apply.