UHI 2025 Prize for Engineering Excellence awarded to Andrew Greig
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) has announced Andrew Greig as the recipient of its 2025 Prize for Engineering Excellence, a £500 annual award generously donated by Willie J Printie.
Now in its 11th year, the prize recognises students who have progressed from an apprenticeship background and excelled in both further education and degree-level studies.
Andrew, from Glasgow, graduated this year with a BEng (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from UHI North, West and Hebrides, having studied full-time by distance learning, all while managing one of the UK’s most historic renewable energy sites.
Andrew began his engineering career just five days after his 16th birthday, joining SSE as an apprentice technician at Clyde Wind Farm. After qualifying four years later, he moved into SSE’s hydro division as a Control and Instrumentation Technician. In 2019, he joined Drax, where he has since held several roles including Planning Engineer and Shift Team Leader, before being promoted to Production Manager in 2023. He now oversees operations at the country’s first large-scale hydroelectric plant to supply renewable electricity to the public grid.
Andrew was nominated by his programme leader, Lois Gray, who said:
“Throughout his working life, Andrew has shown great dedication to developing his knowledge, balancing full-time work with evening and remote study.
“He is a very capable, affable young man, setting high standards for himself and always willing to go the extra mile to help others. I wish him every success for the future.”
Willie Printie added:
“Andrew epitomises exactly my thinking behind the Prize for Engineering Excellence - beginning his journey as an apprentice, excelling in both further and higher education, and ultimately graduating with an engineering degree through UHI.
“His commitment to completing a BEng with Distinction while working full-time is exceptional and makes him a thoroughly deserving recipient of this year’s award.
“I hope this prize, in some small way, acknowledges the significant investment he has made in his academic and professional development. I wish Andrew every success, I have no doubt he will go far in whatever he chooses to pursue.”
On receiving this prize, Andrew said:
“Being awarded this prize is a true honour. When I left school at 16 to start my apprenticeship as an electrical technician, I never envisaged that 14 years later I would have obtained a BEng degree.
“I’d like to thank all the staff at UHI for their support and hard work in helping make this possible. I also want to thank Willie Printie for supporting the university and helping make a difference to students like me.
“Being recognised in this way has inspired me to continue working hard and progressing on my academic and professional journey.”
Stephen Sheridan, Director of Economic Development and Advancement at UHI, added:
“Andrew Greig is a worthy winner of this prize, and an excellent example of the talent emerging from our university. We remain incredibly grateful to Willie Printie for his continued generosity and commitment to supporting our engineering students.”