A YOUNG Irvine lass who witnessed the Ariana Grande concert bombing is making big strides at GE Caledonian.

Ayli McInnes is doing work experience with the leading provider of jet engines based in Prestwick.

The work experience comes as part of her engineering Foundation Apprenticeship, a subject option for pupils in S5 or S6 which enables them to spend time with a learning provider and in a workplace gaining a qualification at the same level as a higher.

On her experience of the bombing, she said: “I struggled for a few days afterwards and took a week off school. I’ve put it behind me now though. It hasn’t stopped me from doing anything.”

Ayli is one of a group of Foundation Apprentices who feature in Skills Development Scotland’s adverts on television and online.

She said: “Since I was in second year I have always wanted to go into engineering.

“I have always preferred the practical subjects and that’s why my teacher suggested the Foundation Apprenticeship which involves learning on the job while I was at school.

“I did my work experience at GE Caledonian and I really enjoyed it.

The Foundation Apprenticeship is different from school and I’ve learned so much that I’ve applied for an Engineering Modern Apprenticeship with the company now.”

Ayli’s achievements are being celebrated as part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, co-ordinated by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and takes place from March 2 to 6.