To mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week, SNP MSP, Ben Macpherson, stopped by North Edinburgh Childcare to speak with their modern apprentices and celebrate the benefits modern apprenticeships bring to organisations and the local economy.
North Edinburgh Childcare has 19 Modern Apprentices (MA) currently training with them – with 3 MA’s based on site. They have said that they are keen to encourage more employers to engage with the MA’s and collaborate with North Edinburgh Childcare.
During yesterday’s visit, Ben Macpherson MSP met with Michael Fenton, one of the modern apprentices at North Edinburgh Childcare. Michael explained that his experience with the Modern Apprenticeship programme has improved his confidence. He went on to say that “Doing the MA will benefit me if I want to apply for a senior position and will increase my salary and better my lifestyle.”
The Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP is encouraging organisations across the city to think about their business and if they could benefit from taking on an apprentice.
Ben Macpherson said: “It was great to hear from the modern apprentices at North Edinburgh Childcare. The training services there are highly respected and notably making a difference, and it is clear that the work the apprentices are undertaking is benefitting all involved.
“Modern apprenticeships help give young people valuable opportunities to learn on the job and work on real projects with experienced colleagues. Training modern apprentices benefits all of our society and strengthens our economy.
“I am delighted that as we celebrate this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Week, the latest statistics show that the SNP Government has supported over 200,000 apprentices in 10 years – and In Edinburgh, we’ve seen huge growth in the number of apprenticeships since 2007 – an increase of 70.9% since 2007.
“This Modern Apprenticeship Week I would encourage companies to speak to businesses and organisations that are already benefitting from employing their own apprentices, and find out first-hand how apprentices can benefit your company and our collective economic prosperity.”
Fiona Williamson, Team Leader of Accredited Training at North Edinburgh Childcare, said: “Our Modern Apprenticeship programme, delivering the Social Services Children and Young people Award (SCQF level 7) has been well received by our apprentices.
“It has offered them the opportunity to progress onto a fully funded practitioner level qualification allowing them to register with the Scottish Social Services Council thus sustaining their employment and fulfilling their goal to work in the childcare sector.”
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