Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Job scheme way forward
Apprentice Kara was hired!
A Coatbridge woman has told of the benefits of modern and graduate apprenticeships as she works towards a universitylevel qualification while working in a full- time industry role.
Kara McHugh is currently completing a graduate apprenticeship with civil engineering firm Atkins, and recently earned an impressive industry award.
The 29- year- old started out with her current employer in a computer- aided design ( CAD) role; and within a few months was given the chance to take on a modern apprenticeship, involving a weekly study day at Glasgow Kelvin College alongside her fulltime post.
She said: “I didn’t have an engineering background; when they were hiring for an apprentice [ it meant] I’d get CAD and civil engineering qualifications, giving me the best of both.”
On completing her modern apprenticeship, she was then given the chance to take her learning further with a graduate apprenticeship at the college, allowing her to work towards university- level learning while working and earning a wage.
Kara is now covering many of the requirements for engineering technician and incorporated engineer qualifications, and said: “The graduate apprenticeship really helps towards the professional qualifications – it pretty much ticks off all the things you need without realising you’ve done it.
“You’ve got all the added benefits of working for a big employer, you’re getting qualified, and you get a full-time wage too – my confidence has grown, and I’ve been able to buy a house with my partner and save up, which is great.
“I ’d recommend an apprenticeship to anyone; all the training and experience you get while working in the office is something that you don’t get while studying full-time.”
She recently won a prestigious Quest award from the Institution of Civil Engineers, and is volunteering as an apprentice ambassador at her workplace, visiting schools to encourage children to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.
Her mentor, principal engineer Ian Mair, said: “Apprentices like Kara are central to the business – they bring different insight, have that understanding of technology and communication, and the new perspective is refreshing.”
Kara highlighted the benefits of her workplace learning opportunities as part of Scottish apprenticeship week, which began on Monday.
Around 12,000 organisations currently employ modern apprentices; while 2600 school pupils are taking on foundation apprenticeships alongside their other subjects, and 900 graduate apprentices, for qualifications up to masters degree level, are underway this year.
SDS chief executive Damien Yeates said: “Scottish apprenticeship week highlights the commitment of businesses who have decided to invest in the skills of their workforce, and shows the success of individuals who have chosen work- based learning to develop their careers.”