Scottish Apprenticeship Week – The NEN

Edinburgh jobs boost as QA Scotland opens over 15 new positions

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.

Letters: Scottish Apprenticeship Week

Dear Editor

This week marks Scottish Apprenticeship Week (6^th-10^th March), a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the vital role apprenticeships play in supporting people, employers and the economy.

Modern Apprenticeships allow people from diverse backgrounds, no matter their background and abilities, to gain and develop skills for every business no matter its size or sector.

The rewards of getting young people who are disabled or care experienced into work are well worth it. They bring passion, skills, dedication and drive to the workplace.

Recruiting a Modern Apprentice enables employers to fill the skills gaps that exist within their current workforce, as apprentices begin to learn sector-specific skills from day one, developing specialist knowledge that will positively affect the bottom line.

However, as always, we can do more and support for businesses and other employers is key as it is they who clearly make the vital difference.

As we mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week, we would urge Scotland’s employers to look beyond the label and take on a Modern Apprentice who may have an additional need, taking advantage of the excellent skills offered by many of these young people.

Yours faithfully

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition:

Kenny Graham, Falkland House School

Lynn Bell, LOVE Learning

Stephen McGhee, Spark of Genius

Niall Kelly, Young Foundations

42 Charlotte Square

Edinburgh EH2 4HQ

Tel: 0131 603 8996

First Minister kicks off Scottish Apprenticeship Week

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon officially opened a new training college in Glasgow today to mark the beginning of Scottish Apprenticeship Week.

City Building’s new state-of-the-art training college in Springburn will house up to 250 apprentices across a range of disciplines, providing hands-on training opportunities in plumbing, furniture making, decorating and joinery.

The building’s solar panels will power the entire building with air-source heat pumps providing low-cost, environmentally-friendly heat.

Touring the facility, the First Minister met young people who shared their positive experiences of their apprenticeships and heard of the work being carried out through the college, which was constructed entirely by staff and apprentices.

The First Minister said: “People from all backgrounds and abilities can use apprenticeships to gain skills that will support them not only in work, but throughout their life. At the end of last year, there were almost 40,000 Modern Apprentices training in Scotland.

“The Scottish Government recognises the role apprenticeships play in unlocking potential for the benefit of Scotland’s economy. Growing our workforce is crucial, which is why we must continue our work to increase opportunities for young people by providing them with quality work-based training.

“Apprenticeships also support economic renewal and key priorities, including our Net Zero ambitions. A skilled workforce is vital to our economic growth and we want as many businesses as possible to benefit – I would encourage all employers to find out more about the opportunities available to them.”

Chair of Skills Development Scotland, Frank Mitchell, said: “Designed by industry, for industry, apprenticeships not only help the economy but also create sustainable jobs across all parts of Scotland.

“These opportunities have been taken by individuals from across society, including many young people traditionally with restricted opportunities to progress who have gone onto flourish in the workplace.

“These are real jobs backed by employers who contribute £10 for every £1 spent by government, and at the same time apprentices contribute by paying their taxes.

“Creating a diverse and inclusive workforce through work-based learning is benefiting employers as apprentices enable them to adapt and sustain their business.”

Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2023 runs from Monday 6 March to Friday 10 March.

Kaukab Stewart MSP visits SLC during Scottish Apprenticeship Week

Kaukab Stewart, MSP for Glasgow Kelvin, marked the end of Scottish Apprenticeship Week by meeting apprentices at the Student Loans Company (SLC) in the city centre.

Based on Bothwell Street, SLC has a growing Emerging Talent Programme with over 100 colleagues currently on its apprenticeship, graduate and internship programmes.

Kaukab Stewart said: “I welcome the innovative work of the SLC Emerging Talent Programme, supporting young and older people to train and developing skills for the wider digital economy.

“I’m particularly pleased to learn about the Career Ready Mentoring Programme and the recognition that people with particular barriers in the labour market are being supported the most in building more equal and diverse opportunities.”

During the visit, Kaukab was also given a tour of SLC’s new collaboration spaces and Stephen Campbell, SLC’s Chief Information Officer, talked about the importance of developing the skills of the workforce and investing in their futures.

He said: “Our apprentices play such an important role in our business. We offer young people the chance to unlock their potential and gain a recognised qualification, as well as valuable experience in the work environment.

“But we also believe it’s vital to develop the skills of our workforce, encouraging their career growth by providing them with the opportunity to upskill. It was fantastic to welcome Kaukab Stewart into our office today during such an important week for apprenticeships in Scotland.”

The Scottish Government is committed to increasing the number of apprenticeships in Scotland and Scottish Apprenticeship Week, co-ordinated by Skills Develop Scotland, highlights how apprenticeships are providing the skills employers need now and for the future.

Apprenticeships key to supporting NHS, says First Minister

Apprentices are delivering a well-qualified workforce and addressing skills gaps in the NHS, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said. Launching Scottish Apprenticeship Week yesterday, the First Minister met a group of pharmacy apprentices based at University Hospital Monklands.

A new £3.4 million Scottish Government recruitment programme will see 150 apprentice pharmacy technicians trained and recruited across Scotland this year.

Throughout their two year apprenticeship individuals will develop skills and gain valuable experience working in hospital and community pharmacies as well as GP practices undertaking medication reviews and liaising with other healthcare professionals to provide effective patient care.

The First Minister said: “Growing our workforce is crucial, which is why we must increase the opportunities for our young people who wish to choose a career in the NHS such as pharmacy, with quality hands-on training to set them on their path. Increasing the number of qualified pharmacy technicians is critical to ensuring a well-qualified workforce.

“While we work towards returning to pre-pandemic levels of apprenticeship uptake, it is encouraging that the latest Skills Development Scotland official statistics showed almost twice as many people had started Modern Apprenticeships by the end of the third quarter of 2021-22 compared with the same time a year prior. Furthering that progress will be crucial to delivering opportunities for young people while ensuring a well-qualified workforce.

“As Scotland moves towards economic renewal and transition apprenticeships across our economy and public services – including roles in construction, transport and life sciences – have a key role to play as part of the national endeavour to drive a fairer, greener economic recovery.”

Scotland’s skills agency, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) administers funding towards the training delivery of the Technical Apprenticeship in Pharmacy Services at SCQF Level 8.

Skills Development Scotland Chair Frank Mitchell: “When it comes to supporting sustainable skills through workforce development or providing opportunities for young people, we know that apprenticeships work.

“The combination of commitment from employers and the backing of Scottish Government will ensure apprenticeships work for everyone, making a significant contributor to Scotland’s recovery and productivity growth.”

“The Technical Apprenticeship in Pharmacy Services will provide key support for the NHS, giving people the opportunity to work, learn and earn developing skills that are in demand.”

Pharmacist team manager at University Hospital Monklands Linsey Hayes said: “Our participation and engagement with these apprenticeship opportunities demonstrates our Health Board’s commitment to the young people in our local community contributing to our employability targets at local and national level.”

Pharmacy technicians work within pharmacy teams carrying out specialised tasks, including preparing complex medicines and dispensing medicines safely for patients.

Hannah Scullion, a pre-registration pharmacy technician with NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Becoming a qualified pharmacy technician was always my goal and I am so glad to have been given this opportunity to do this through the new technical apprenticeship programme.”

The National Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technician Scheme, the first of its kind in Scotland, will see Scottish Government funding go towards salaries and infrastructure to support expansion of the Technical Apprenticeship in Pharmacy Services.

The first intake of 50 apprentices under the scheme will start in April 2022 with a further 100 apprentices to be recruited in autumn.

Apprenticeships | Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2022

Scottish Power supports Young Person’s Guarantee to aid Green Recovery Plan

ScottishPower today confirmed it will commit to the Young Person’s Guarantee as part of its overall plan to support the UK’s Green Recovery.

To avoid a ‘lost generation’, the new Young Person’s Guarantee aims to ensure all 16-24 year olds in Scotland get the chance to succeed through an apprenticeship, job, training, further education or volunteering.

The commitment by ScottishPower marks the start of 2021’s Scottish Apprenticeship Week (1-5 March).

ScottishPower is one of the largest employers in Scotland and currently has around 5,500 staff at sites across the UK, including 1650 at its Glasgow-based HQ. It is the UK’s only integrated energy company and generates 100% green electricity.

A Principal Partner for the United Nations climate change conference (COP26) to be held in Glasgow later this year, it is investing a total of £10bn in the clean energy generation and networks infrastructure needed to help the UK decarbonise.

Under the Guarantee, it is making five commitments to help young people at this critical time:

prepare young people for the world of work through work experience, volunteering and work-based learning opportunities
engage with and provide opportunities to young people who face barriers to work
create work-based learning, training and upskilling opportunities for young people
create jobs and opportunities for young people through apprenticeships, paid internships and work experience
create an inclusive workplace to support learning and enable young people to meet their potential

ScottishPower already has a range of successful apprenticeship schemes, scholarships, internships, summer placements and other opportunities to support people either entering the workplace for the first time, from school leavers to graduates, or those returning after career breaks.

Under Young Person’s Guarantee, it is committing to furthering its opportunities for young people and those from disadvantaged backgrounds around the UK. This will include grassroots pre-employment schemes in local communities for young people in and around Glasgow.

Sheila Duncan, ScottishPower’s HR Director, said: “The theme for Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2021 is Business Backing Talent and what better way to show our commitment to the future of our young people than by committing to support Young Person’s Guarantee.

“Young people are quite simply the future of our business and we know how successful our apprenticeship and employability schemes can be in terms of attracting, training and retaining talent.

“The past year has been incredibly difficult for our young people and accessing opportunities to help energise their careers shouldn’t seem out of their reach.

“I’m delighted we’re supporting the Guarantee and we’re fully committed to ensuring there are a wide range of exciting opportunities available to them as we strive to deliver a better future, quicker.”

Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Apprenticeships are a key part of our work to support our young people, who have been some of the hardest hit by the pandemic.

“The Scottish Government is committed to helping our young people and we have dedicated £25 million to increase apprenticeship opportunities in response to Covid-19.

“Not only do these valuable opportunities provide essential experience to progress, they are also hugely beneficial to our employers and businesses.

“Apprenticeships are also a crucial aspect of our million Young Person’s Guarantee, which since November has created around 18,000 opportunities for people aged between 16 and 24 to help them into work, education or training.

“I want our young people and employers to know we support you and will continue to do all we can to build a strong economy recovery for Scotland.”

Amey marks Scottish Apprenticeship Week with apprenticeship pledge

To mark the launch of Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2021 (1st – 5th March) leading infrastructure company Amey, has pledged that 5% of its overall workforce will be made up of apprentices.

In order to achieve this goal, 22 new apprenticeships, including degree-level roles, are being offered this year on Amey’s Scottish contracts.

Amey’s Transport Infrastructure business in Scotland already employs 10 Modern Apprentices, 2 Graduate Apprentices and supports around 34 Foundation Apprentices.

Foundation Apprenticeships are a work-based learning qualification for secondary school students providing them with a stepping stone into a career and a full-time Modern or Graduate Apprenticeship with an employer.

Four of these apprenticeships are in North Lanarkshire, with a further thirty in Dumfries & Galloway.

Kenny Kerr, Business Director of Amey’s Transport Infrastructure accounts in Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: “Providing apprenticeship opportunities are a core part of our future growth, and essential to increasing diversity and the adoption of new skills across our business.

“Our continued support for Scottish Apprenticeship Week demonstrates our commitment to the entire apprenticeship family. We currently support Foundation, Modern and Graduate apprenticeships within our accounts, working closely with key partners such as Skills Development Scotland, colleges and universities and the Scottish Government.

“We have learned the value of apprenticeships, as they allow our existing workforce to pass on their knowledge and experience to a future generation of skilled employees. Amey apprentices can obtain a range of practical, transferable skills that will stand them in good stead throughout their career.

“Our investment in apprenticeships helps us meet the objectives of our clients, which include Transport Scotland and North Lanarkshire Council, by providing jobs, training and learning opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. With hopeful signs of a recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and a return to economic growth, continued support for apprenticeships will ensure our company continues to develop and thrive.”

Amey’s Transport and Infrastructure division looks after some of the most iconic and economically vital routes across Scotland, including the M8/M73/M74 network, North Lanarkshire roads and lighting and the Scottish South-West Trunk Road Network.

Amey’s Apprenticeship Programme involves candidates completing both a technical certificate in their chosen area as well as a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) and incorporates the Duke of Edinburgh’s Business Award as a core part of the programme.

To find out more about apprenticeship opportunities with Amey visit: https://www.amey.co.uk/your-career/early-careers/apprentices/

Amey training and work experience learning in 2020/21 is delivered virtually in accordance with Scottish Government guidance on social distancing and hygiene due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Nationwide apprentice network “will inspire next generation”

Pupils in every high school across Scotland will benefit from a new national network of apprentices, helping to inspire future generations to benefit from apprenticeship opportunities.

Scotland’s Apprentice Network is open to current and former apprentices who want to encourage young people to follow in their footsteps, with every school in Scotland to be linked with an ambassador from the network.

The network was launched by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at Forth Valley College, where she met engineering apprentices as part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week.

The First Minister said: “Creating this network of apprentices, who can share their experiences with others, will help inspire the next generation.

“We know that work-based learning delivers for individuals, employers, and the Scottish economy. Through the network, apprentices are going to have the chance to inspire young people to follow their example and become the apprentices of tomorrow.

“Their success stories are the best way to show pupils that work-based learning offers fantastic career opportunities.”

Director of National Training Programmes at Skills Development Scotland, Katie Hutton, said: “We know that the best people to showcase the benefits of apprenticeships are successful apprentices.

“Through the network, apprentices will have a unique opportunity to talk directly to school pupils who are making their career choices and encourage others to follow in their footsteps.”

Scotland’s Apprentice Network is facilitated by Skills Development Scotland (SDS). SDS will ensure the inclusive recruitment of network members, from across the whole of Scotland, different sectors, industries and disciplines.

Network members will use their own first-hand experiences to communicate the benefits of Foundation, Modern and Graduate apprenticeships to young people, employers, parents, schools and other stakeholders at a local level, ensuring employers and schools can benefit from the national network.

Current and former apprentices are being encouraged to sign up and join the network – www.apprenticeships.scot/network

Over 1,300 Graduate Apprenticeship places for 2019/20.

More than 1,300 new Graduate Apprenticeship work-based learning opportunities will help boost Scotland’s economy and give people a head-start in their careers.

Fair Work Secretary Derek Mackay announced that the target for Graduate Apprenticeships in 2019/20 has been increased to 1,300. This builds on last year’s achieved target of 800 and recognises the increasing demand for gaining degree level qualifications whilst in employment.

Graduate Apprenticeships have been developed by Skills Development Scotland, in partnership with industry and the further and higher education sectors, to provide work-based learning opportunities up to Master’s degree level.

Supporting sectors that have a need for highly skilled jobs, such as civil engineering, digital and cyber security, graduate apprenticeships provide learning and development opportunities for new and existing employees and enable employers to upskill their workforce.

The growth of Graduate Apprenticeships supports the Scottish Government’s ambition to create 30,000 apprenticeship jobs a year by 2020.

Making the announcement ahead of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, Mr Mackay said: “Apprenticeships are a vital piece of the jigsaw to improve Scotland’s productivity, benefitting individuals, employers and the wider economy. That is why we are investing in more apprenticeship opportunities than ever before, ensuing more people benefit from work-based learning.

“We remain firmly on track to achieve our ambitious target of 30,000 new apprenticeship starts by 2020, with a focus on higher level apprenticeships. By increasing the number of Graduate Apprenticeships available for 2019/20 to more than 1,300, more people will have the opportunity to study while they earn and gain first-hand experience of their industry.”

The expansion includes the wider roll out of the Graduate Apprenticeship in Data Science, following a successful pilot funded by the Scottish Government and run in partnership with St Andrews University, University of Edinburgh and global accounting and business services firm, PwC.

Access to Graduate Apprenticeships has also increased through provision, with opportunities available for the first time through University of Aberdeen.

Skills Development Scotland Chief Executive Damien Yeates said: “Apprenticeships offer employers a unique opportunity to invest in and develop the skills their business needs for the future.

“SDS continues to work with business to increase the number of new apprenticeship jobs through Modern and Graduate opportunities – creating skills that meet their needs.

“Scottish apprenticeships now allow employers to introduce young people to their business while they are still at school and keep them in their workforce until they are degree qualified.”

Scottish Apprenticeship Week is the nationwide campaign aimed at encouraging more employers to take on apprentices.

This year’s theme is ‘Skills for the Future’, recognising the importance of investing in the workforce. The hashtag for the week is #ScotAppWeek.

Graduate Apprenticeship delivery partners include:

Edinburgh Napier University
Glasgow Caledonian University
Glasgow Kelvin College
Heriot-Watt University
Open University
Queen Margaret University
Robert Gordon University
University of the West of Scotland
University of Aberdeen
University of Dundee
University of Edinburgh
University of Glasgow
University of Strathclyde
University of the Highlands and Islands

You’re hired: Scottish Apprenticeship Week

Thinking of a career change? Don’t dismiss an apprenticeship!

Discontented workers in Edinburgh looking to change careers could be limiting their options by assuming that apprenticeships are just for school leavers, according to new research released today from Scottish Gas. Continue reading You’re hired: Scottish Apprenticeship Week