Key highlights:
- QA Scotland has opened over 45 positions nationally.
- Over 15 of those are in Edinburgh and the surrounding area.
- The roll out of these new apprenticeship opportunities are to align with Scottish Apprenticeship Week (March 6-10, 2023).
- Scotland’s largest provider of tech, digital and IT apprenticeships, QA Scotland places around 1,300 candidates every year with some of Scotland’s most exciting tech employers.
Ahead of Scottish Apprenticeship Week last week QA Scotland announced the opening of over 30 new apprenticeship positions across Edinburgh and the surrounding area, available for immediate start.
Working in partnership with numerous local businesses including George Watson’s College and Computershare Investor Services, QA is promoting a range of roles, with salaries of up to £19,000 a year and a wide choice of job opportunities. The openings range across the spectrum from digital marketing and project management to IT support and administration.
Scotland’s largest provider of tech, digital and IT apprenticeships, QA Scotland places around 1,300 candidates every year with some of Scotland’s most exciting tech employers.
Lawrie Fraser from Falkirk found his apprenticeship completely life changing. Struggling in the travel industry he decided to reskill and is now head of marketing in his new career.
Of his apprenticeship journey, the 20-year-old said: “I wasn’t in the right industry for me during my first apprenticeship and that lead me to contacting QA, where I felt more naturally in the correct industry for me.
“Work gets me flying around left, right and centre. It’s good to see the world and see different places of business and cultures.
“It does build your character, it does build your career and it does make you a stronger person.
“The advice I’d give to people that want to change their career pathway would be: don’t be scared, back yourself 100%.
“Even if it’s taking that leap to contact QA just to get the conversation and the ball rolling, I would do it a million times over.
“QA’s changed my life and I know a lot of ambassadors that have changed their lives as well.”
QA apprenticeship ambassador Lawrie Fraser
Marston Holdings have taken on apprentices through QA and have been delighted with the “fresh outlooks” brought to their business.
Michael Fraser-McGinness, Operations Manager at Marston Holdings, said: “It’s been great to have apprentices as part of our company, fresh outlooks and new experiences allow organisations to increase diversity and, in turn, creativity”
Of his apprenticeship journey with Marston Holdings, accountant apprentice Zak Bowker said: “Since the start of my apprenticeship, I’ve received constant support from both my managers, and other members of the business.
“Everyone has been eager to offer training sessions on other areas of finance which has given me invaluable knowledge and understanding.”
Lorne Blyth, founder of Flavours Holidays, has been delighted with her “fantastic asset”, apprentice Amy Canfield.
She said: “We would highly recommend hiring an apprentice, especially after the great experience we’ve had bringing Amy Canfield our digital marketing apprentice, who plays a major role in helping us to promote our holidays online, into the business.
“Whether it’s creating social media videos or helping with the website, she has a natural creative ability to curate exciting and engaging content which helps to showcase the Flavours adventures – she really is a fantastic asset to the team.”
Chris Shekleton, Director – Scotland QA, said: “If you left school at Christmas and have not yet decided on your future, or if you are in an interim job, waiting for the right opening, then it may be that an apprenticeship is the way forward. There are lots of opportunities out there.
“And if you think you don’t have any relevant qualifications or experience, that is not a barrier, with an apprenticeship you learn on the job and you earn while you learn.”
David Cunningham, QA Scotland Youth Engagement and Communications Manager, added: “No matter what your background or qualifications, we are confident we can match you with an apprenticeship scheme that will kick start your future.
“With vacancies available across over 50 employers throughout Scotland, it is aptitude and interests that count, and we will point you in the direction you need.”
To take a look at what is on offer, visit QA.com, pop in your postcode and get in touch.
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I’m so glad I took the apprenticeship route with QA! I completed my apprenticeship over a year ago and still work very closely with QA. They are a remarkable company!