Apprenticeship was just the job for Stephanie
Great things can happen when employers take on apprenticeships – that’s the message as Scottish Apprenticeship Week kicks off today.
East Renfrewshire Council is highlighting Work EastRen, the team which leads the council’s Modern Apprentice programme.
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the team supported 21 candidates to gain their qualifications and secure full-time jobs in a variety of roles including childcare, administration and joinery.
A Modern Apprenticeship allows candidates to learn on the job, gaining valuable hands-on experience, while getting paid. They also receive the same benefits as other employees, such as holiday entitlement and pension contributions.
A recent graduate of the programme is mum-of-two Stephanie Allison. Stephanie is now employed as a child development officer with the council following the completion of her qualifications.
She said:“My mum is a senior childcare development officer and she told me about the apprenticeships, so I went for it and was delighted when I heard I had secured the role.
“I was gaining valuable experience every day, while working towards my qualifications.
“I would highly recommend the programme to anyone – it is the best decision I ever made.”
Work EastRen is in the process of recruiting a further 15 apprentices for roles in childcare, facilities management and hospitality.
The council’s nursery facilities regularly support the apprenticeship programme, with the McCready Family Centre recently benefitting.
Michelle Liddell, from the centre in Barrhead, said:“The modern apprentices who have joined us have been a real asset here at the McCready Family Centre.
“They are enthusiastic about their work and gaining hands-on experience; we are all really proud that they are achieving qualifications that will help them further their career.
“There is excellent support available to both employers and apprentices from the council’s Work EastRen team, so I would encourage any employer to take part in the modern apprentice programme and give someone this excellent job opportunity.”
Council leader Tony Buchanan added:“Our Modern Apprentice programme is something we are very proud of and it is fantastic to hear that despite the unprecedented past year we have all faced, the Work EastRen team maintained their support of our young people, those looking for work and local businesses.
“The roles are an excellent career opportunity, but they also provide employers with the skills needed to adapt, sustain and strengthen.
“Well done to everyone who qualified over the last 12 months and good luck to those who will soon embark on their apprenticeship journey.”
To find out more, or if you are business looking to get involved, visit https://www.workeastren.co.uk/