My fulfil time job
Jamie, 20, is loving working towards a SVQ certificate with Scottish Government and the sense of pride and independence it gives him
JAMIE Hamilton knows he’s doing a good job – because his clients tell him so. As an apprentice working as an IT service desk analyst for the Scottish Government, he takes pride in helping people deal with the rural payments and services website. Jamie, 20, from Edinburgh, said: “I hear first-hand the difference I am making when I speak to farmers and staff members across Scotland and in rural communities. “When they thank me for the work I’ve done or the help I’ve given them, it makes me feel happy that the work I am doing is being appreciated.” He’s working towards an IT, systems and networking SVQ 3 – getting to earn while he
learns with an apprenticeship and would recommend this route.
“I think university is a good path to go down but it’s not the only route,” Jamie said.
“School pushed me towards further education, so I had to do a bit of my own work finding these apprenticeships. But you can work your way up and be earning good money by the time someone you know has earned their degree.
“I think it gives you a proper sense of independence and I feel proud that I can support my mum with the money that I earn.”
He added: “It doesn’t get more interesting than full-time work right out of school.”
For others considering this route, the country’s top employers will be at the Scottish Apprenticeship Show at Edinburgh’s EICC on September 2 and 3 and Glasgow’s Science Centre on October 7 and 8.
For more information or to sponsor/exhibit, visit www. scottishapprenticeshipshow.co.uk.