Tag: Scottish Apprenticeship Week

Cabinet Secretary for Housing visits Edinburgh housing development to mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week

The Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan, visited Barratt Homes’ Tower Street at Merchant Quay development in Leith yesterday to mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week and meet with current and former apprentices building their careers in the construction industry.

The visit highlighted the important role apprenticeships play in supporting Scotland’s housing sector, developing future talent and creating sustainable career opportunities. During the visit, the Cabinet Secretary toured the development, spoke with the site team and heard first-hand from apprentices about their experiences and career progression within the industry.

Tower Street at Merchant Quay, one of Barratt Homes East Scotland’s developments, features a range of one-, two-and three-bedroom apartments. Barratt Homes has numerous apprentices across a range of disciplines on their sites, with several Construction Managers, Site Managers and Senior Site Managers beginning their careers as apprentices, demonstrating the long-term career opportunities available within the business.  

Coordinated by Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Apprenticeship Week shines a spotlight on the power of apprenticeships to create careers, build businesses, grow the workforce and get real returns for the economy.

Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan, said: “Apprentices are a central part of growing our economy and I’ve enjoyed hearing directly from the young people who are starting out their careers in the building industry. 

“Through the Scottish Government’s Future Planners Programme we’re also increasing the number of planners and supporting future improvements in the planning system by supporting students to study and gain real work experience.

“We know how important these programmes are to the success of the whole housing sector which our new agency, More Homes Scotland, will help to grow. I wish every success to our apprentices and thank them for their contribution to our future workforce.”  

Frank Mitchell, Skills Development Scotland Chair, said: “Scottish Apprenticeships provide real returns for employers, individuals and the economy. 

“People from all backgrounds are gaining meaningful career opportunities through apprenticeships, creating diverse workforces that benefits business and our society. At a time when employers are seeing skill shortages all over the country, apprenticeships have never been so important than they are now.”

Andrew Morrison, Managing Director of Barratt Homes East Scotland, said: “Scottish Apprenticeship Week is an important opportunity to recognise the incredible contribution apprentices make to our business and the wider construction industry.

“We were proud to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to our Tower Street at Merchant Quay development to meet some of our talented apprentices and hear about the vital work being done on site. Apprenticeships are fundamental to developing the next generation of skilled professionals and addressing the construction skills gap.

“At Barratt Homes, we are committed to investing in people, providing structured training and clear progression pathways so that individuals can build long and rewarding careers with us. “Developments like Tower Street at Merchant Quay demonstrate how investing in skills supports both local communities and Scotland’s housing ambitions.”

As one of the UK’s leading housebuilders, Barratt Redrow continues to play a central role in tackling Scotland’s housing challenges while supporting the local economy and helping to close the construction skills gap through investment in apprenticeships, graduate programmes and training initiatives.

For further information about Barratt Homes’ Tower Street at Merchant Quay development, visit: 

https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/dev002948-tower-street-at-merchant-quay/.

Dunfermline apprentice encourages others to follow in their footsteps during Scottish Apprenticeship Week

An apprentice from Dunfermline who works at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in the city is encouraging others to become an apprentice and pursue their dream career during Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2026 (2-6 March 2026). 

Laura Doyle from Dunfermline is taking part in the Amazon Apprenticeship programme and is sharing her story to encourage others to consider an apprenticeship.  

Laura lives in Dunfermline and works as a Training Coordinator at the local Amazon fulfilment centre. Laura is completing a CIPD Level 5 in Learning and Development Consultancy apprenticeship with Amazon, and is due to finish in the coming months after starting the programme 18 months ago.

Laura’s journey to Amazon was far from conventional. After leaving university, where she’d wanted to be a history teacher but found it wasn’t for her, she went into nightclubs and hospitality. She loved it and had no plans to change her career path until COVID happened and clubs closed. She took a Monday to Friday office job, thinking she’d “be a grownup now,” but lasted only three months.

She joined Amazon in 2020 with no expectations. As she puts it: “To be honest, I had no plans of being at Amazon for long. I said I would last two weeks until I found a new job and then those two weeks became a month.

“And then I thought I’d see out Christmas as I was on a temporary contract. Then I thought I’d stay a little longer, so it looked good on my CV. And that was five years ago.”

Laura started off quiet and shy, not wanting to make friends because it was “just a job.” But when Amazon asked her to become an instructor, she fell in love with training. She found a lot of similarities between managing teams in a nightclub and training new people.

When a Learning and Development position came up, she went for it despite feeling unqualified, taking her nightclub experience and running with it.

She said: “When you look at education in a workplace, we’re dealing with effectively six generations of people now, because as the retirement age increases and you have 18-year-olds coming into work, their learning requirements are totally different.

“Attention spans and engagement styles also vary across age groups. My job is to keep all those people engaged.”

“At Amazon, you deal with so many different people,” Laura continued. “After a few months with Amazon, I thought I could do better than just ticking career boxes here. I really love people. People are great.

“And I think doing the apprenticeship and being a trainer, you get to meet so many people and then see them do a very similar journey to me and get to watch them take those steps. I want to make sure that if they want to, they can take those steps.”

The apprenticeship is delivered online with seven other Amazon employees, with three away days at different Amazon sites including locations in London and Manchester, plus monthly calls and upskill sessions. Laura particularly values meeting people from different sites and seeing other areas of the business. 

What Laura loves most about working at Amazon is the people. “The people make this place so good. There’s a lot of good teamwork.”

The most important thing she’s learnt at Amazon is the ability to change and be adaptable to circumstances: “The ability to remain calm and focus on your goal is a lifelong skill that I’ll really take away from this.”

Laura’s advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship is straightforward: “Go for it. I say it’s hard work – don’t be delusional and think it’s going to be a walk in the park. But overall, it’s probably one of the best things that you can do at Amazon.”

She’s already convinced one person to start the apprenticeship journey, and it’s been rewarding to watch them progress.

Laura’s journey from nightclub manager to learning and development professional demonstrates that apprenticeships aren’t just about gaining qualifications. They’re about discovering your calling in unexpected places and developing the skills to help others find theirs.

The Amazon Apprenticeship programme is recognised as one of the UK’s top three apprenticeship schemes by the Government’s Department for Education. 

Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can also take advantage of the Amazon Supported Internship programme. Launched in 2021, the initiative combines classroom learning with practical work experience; helping interns develop essential skills in English, Maths, and CV writing, while gaining hands-on experience across three operational job functions.

Pay at Amazon starts from £13.95 or £14.96 per hour depending on location, equating to between £29,037 and £31,116 annually. Additionally, from day one, all employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, and an employee discount.

Together, these benefits are worth more than £700 annually, and employees can take advantage of a company pension plan.

Applications are now open for Amazon’s apprenticeship programme.

For more information, visit: www.amazonapprenticeships.co.uk  

Apprenticeship funding

Funding for 25,500 new Modern Apprentices, 2,500 Foundation Apprentices

More than £100 million funding to support Modern and Foundation Apprenticeships in 2025-26 has been confirmed by Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth.

Contracts will now be issued by Skills Development Scotland to employers, training providers and colleges for Modern Apprenticeship starts and learning providers for Foundation Apprenticeship starts.

The Education Secretary made the announcement following a visit to Glenrothes High School to mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week.

Ms Gilruth said: “Around 400,000 apprenticeship opportunities have been provided to young people across the country since 2008 and our latest funding commitment makes clear they will continue to be a key feature of Scotland’s education and skills system going forward. Apprenticeships provide vital opportunities for young people to acquire key skills and a route into high quality careers, helping the economy and creating sustainable jobs.

“Feedback from employers indicates that there are key skills gaps and we are aiming to focus investment on apprenticeships in sectors facing labour market shortages. I would encourage businesses to consider opportunities available to them, to help them adapt and sustain their operations.

“Supporting apprenticeships is just one part of the £2 billion we are investing each year in colleges, universities and the wider skills system, recognising the vital role they play in education and the economy.”

Chair of Skills Development Scotland Frank Mitchell said: “Created by employers, for employers, apprenticeships are crucial to unlocking economic opportunity in growth sectors.

“With demand from employers and young people remaining strong, SDS will continue working to maximise apprenticeship starts aligned to industry need within its available budget.

“Apprenticeships foster innovation, economic growth, and new opportunities whilst providing great social return, generating opportunities for many young people from Scotland’s most deprived communities.”

At Glenrothes High School, Ms Gilruth met S6 pupil Demi Short, undertaking a Childcare Foundation Apprenticeship, who said the opportunity had highlighted a potential career path for her.

Demi said: “Overall, my experience of the Childcare Foundation Apprenticeship is extremely positive, as it has sparked my desire to work within the primary education course.

“The placement has sparked my love and passion within this career. I will always be thankful for my placement, and the experience.”

Jack Mellis, also in S6, is undertaking a Creative and Digital Foundation Apprenticeship, and spoke about the practical skills he had gained.

Jack said: “The creative and digital course teaches you anything digital in the creative industry, including making videos for social media, designing posters for anything requested, creating sound and working rigging equipment for this purpose. You learn how to read a creative brief and how to respond, what software to use and so on.

“I am currently on my work placement in technical theatre, where I can use the skills I gathered during my course. I have no doubt that the skills I have learnt from my course and work placement will allow me to get a job in many different places, such as marketing teams for companies, radio or movie studios, or even my own video making company.”  

Headteacher of Glenrothes High School, Avril McNeill, said: “Anyone considering a Foundation Apprenticeship in school should go for it – there’s a huge range of Foundation Apprenticeships on offer, from childcare, to legal services, to lab skills. No matter what your chosen career path is, there is something for everyone.

“Foundation Apprenticeships offer young people the opportunity to mix their school career with college – they can try courses they may be interested in doing and determine whether that is for them or not. This is combined with some hands-on, practical work experience that they could use in the workplace or for personal statements for college or university applications.

“We have got a very varied curricular offering, and were an early adopter of Foundation Apprenticeships and offer national certificates in school as well. This creates a flexible package of traditional qualifications integrated with Foundation Apprenticeships, where young people might be part time in school and at college, and do some work experience as part of that.”

Letters: The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition – Scottish Apprenticeship Week

LOOK BEYOND THE LABEL

Dear Editor

This week marks Scottish Apprenticeship Week (3rd-7th 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, regardless of 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 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 greater support for businesses and other employers to take on a Modern Apprentice is key.

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

Scottish Apprenticeship Week – New data from BAE Systems

NEW RESEARCH REVEALS GROWING APPEAL OF APPRENTICESHIPS AMONG NEXT GENERATION OF WORKERS IN SCOTLAND

As one of the UK’s largest apprenticeship providers, BAE Systems has investigated the latest attitudes towards career paths amongst young people to coincide with Scottish Apprenticeship Week (3 – 7 March).

The findings are part of a newly launched Apprenticeship Barometer, which surveyed 2,000 young people (16-24 year olds) to identify views on education, training and pathways to career success.

Main attractions

The survey revealed a growing interest in apprenticeships, with more than 74% of Scottish respondents willing to relocate to a different part of the UK to seize an apprenticeship opportunity and 6 in 10 preferring it as an alternative to university.

The findings highlight a significant shift toward flexibility and apprenticeships being increasingly recognised as a pathway to secure and rewarding careers, with respondents citing job security (31%), high starting salaries (25%) and hands-on training (21%) as the most appealing features.

An overwhelming 85% of respondents agreed that apprenticeships enhance social mobility, offer significant potential to support disadvantaged groups and provide alternatives to traditional higher education routes.

Barriers to access

Despite their appeal, responses suggest barriers such as limited opportunities (30%) and lack of information (41%) continue to hinder access to apprenticeships, highlighting the need for greater awareness and more accessible pathways.

Over half (53%) of the young people surveyed in Scotland said they felt uninformed about apprenticeship opportunities in their field of interest and 85% believed employers should expand apprenticeship programmes alongside graduate schemes to meet rising demand.

STEM leads the way

Industries linked to careers in science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) ranked highly in apprenticeship preferences, with over 1 in 4 (28%) of the young people surveyed expressing interest. They also ranked in the top three careers that respondents associated with the greatest job security.

Money matters

More than half (55%) of respondents identified earning while learning as the main reason for choosing an apprenticeship over university, while 25% cited avoiding student debt as a key motivator, reflecting a perceived growing financial awareness.

Richard Hamer, HR Director of Education and Skills at BAE Systems, said: “The Apprenticeship Barometer gives a real insight into the aspirations and values of the next generation of the UK workforce.

“It’s clear there’s a huge appetite for high quality vocational training that provides a clear career pathway, whilst offering financial security.

“I’d encourage anyone interested in apprenticeships to have a look at the thousands of highly valuable opportunities available across the country.”

BAE Systems is recruiting for more than 2,400 new apprentice, undergraduate and graduate roles in 2025,which will result in around 6,500 in training, making up approximately 15% of its UK workforce.

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 (6th-10th 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