LOUISE BANKS ON HER BRIGHT FUTURE CAREER Pupil says apprenticeship allows her to gain first hand learning
Louise Mccormack is a 17-year-old with a definite career plan in her mind.
The pupil from St Ambrose High School in Coatbridge knew in fifth year that a Foundation Apprenticeship would allow her to gain valuable practical experience in her chosen sector along with her other subjects at school.
This savvy 6th year pupil from Glasgow favours the practical side to her Financial Services Foundation Apprenticeship.
Louise said: “I enjoyed year one of the Foundation Apprenticeship, as I learned a lot about banking and all the different roles involved in that sector.
“Now, in second year I have enjoyed gaining invaluable experience working at AXA in Glasgow.
“It’s been such a great experience actually working within an insurance company and I have loved every moment of learning at AXA.”
And Louise has a clear plan of what her next career step will be.
“I really want to pursue a career in the accountancy sector, that appeals to me most,” said Louise.
“I have applied to university but that is really a back-up plan for me as I would like to pursue a Modern Apprenticeship in the industry.
“I think some people are of the opinion that those who follow that path don’t have good qualifications but I have three As and a B in my Higher grades.
“But I know what I want to do and would rather work within the industry than spend a few years studying.” It’s that time of year when thousands of pupils across Scotland are making important decisions about subject choices. The choices young people make at school can have an impact on the path they take towards their chosen career. Schools in the area have teamed up with learning providers such as colleges to offer senior pupils Foundation Apprenticeships - so they can get out of the classroom and get work experience and a qualification.
Foundation Apprenticeships offer a new way for young people to get a head-start on their careers.
Open to S5 and S6 pupils to choose alongside their other subjects, they usually take two years to complete.
They are at the same level of qualification as a Higher (SCQF6) and are accepted by all of Scotland’s universities and colleges.
It’s a way to gain a foothold in the working world and get a qualification to boost a CV.
This means pupils completing a Foundation Apprenticeship are a step ahead to move on to a job, like a Modern or Graduate Apprenticeship, or go to college or university. ACCOUNTANCY You could be working in jobs such as: actuary, management accountant, insurance broker, insurance risk surveyor, economist, investment analyst and investment banker. BUSINESS SKILLS This could lead to jobs like: administrative assistant, purchasing manager, management consultant, company secretary, human resources officer, local government officer, receptionist and project manager. CIVIL ENGINEERING The industry’s workforce is ageing and there is a demand for new, young engineers to fill the skills gap across a huge range of jobs, such as: civil engineer, civil engineering technician, quantity surveyor, town planner, structural engineer, construction manager and land surveyor. CREATIVE AND DIGITAL MEDIA Scotland’s creative industry is thriving. Become a broadcast journalist, TV or film producer, lighting technician, fashion designer, graphic designer or photographer. ENGINEERING There’s a huge demand for new engineers. Companies are projected to need 182,000 people with engineering skills each year to 2022 in the UK. You could become an aerospace engineer, chemical engineer, electrical engineer or mechanical engineer. FINANCIAL SERVICES You could take on a wide range of insurance roles, such as broker, underwriter, claims handler, loss adjuster or risk surveyor. FOOD & DRINK TECHNOLOGIES There is growing demand for skills across the whole sector, including food science, product development, nutrition and wellbeing, packaging, research, design and engineering. HARDWARE & SYSTEM SUPPORT More than 90,000 people work in digital technology roles in Scotland, and salaries are growing almost twice as fast as the average. Jobs include cyber security analyst, IT support technician, security administrator and network manager. SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES Jobs include biomedical scientist, biotechnologist, biochemist, laboratory technician, marine biologist and geoscientist, and salaries are on average 20 per cent more than those across other fields. SOCIAL SERVICES: CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE Look after young children as a nursery worker or child development officer. Organise fun activities that help young people build their self-esteem as a playworker. Give children and their families vital support as a social worker. SOCIAL SERVICES & HEALTHCARE Care for sick, injured or disabled people as an adult nurse or children’s nurse. Look after people at home or in residential homes as a care home manager, care assistant or residential support worker. SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT Gaming, virtual reality, cyber security, data management and programming – the digital world is changing fast. You could help decide where it goes next – and earn 30 per cent more than the Scottish average.