The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
More college apprentices to be hired
The chance to “earn while you learn” through an apprenticeship is being opened up to more people after a college won cash to offer even more of the places.
Dundee and Angus College has secured funding from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to deliver training for modern apprentices in a variety of disciplines – from administration to automotive technology, horticulture to hospitality and science to social care.
According to SDS more than 25,000 people start the process each year. The college has signed a contract to train 139 of them.
It tendered for the right to deliver this training after conducting research into prospective employers’ demands for future employees on Tayside and Fife.
As well as places for more than 100 16-19-year-olds, the college has the capacity to train 25 people in the 20-24 age group and seven aged 25-plus.
“We are now aiming to match employers in Fife and Tayside with these training places,” said Veronica Lynch, director of external relations at the college.
“With employers far more likely to fill an apprentice place when they know they have the support of a wellestablished organisation such as the college, potentially 139 young people will find employment.”
Modern apprenticeship training runs from one to three years, depending on the discipline.
While some programmes are entirely work-based, others involve participants coming into college one day per week.
Among those coming to college are two students who were congratulated on their career choice when they met Health and Wellbeing Secretary Shona Robison.
Employed by NHS Tayside, Beth Marshall and Natalie Swanson are both on the modern apprenticeship life science programme.
Beth, who is in the second year of her MA, and first year apprentice Natalie were both introduced to the cabinet minister when the MSP visited Ninewells Hospital.
“Shona was keen to visit Ninewells and speak to various sections, particularly focusing on women in science,” explained Beth.
“We discussed why we chose science and why we opted for an apprenticeship.
“When I left school, pursuing a proper career path was a priority and the modern apprentice initiative allowed me to gain valuable lab experience while training – plus earning a salary.”
These sentiments were echoed by Natalie.
“I always wanted a career in science, and when the opportunity to work in a lab during my training came up, I jumped at it,” she said.
“The apprenticeship system offers so many opportunities – not just theory but life skills as well, plus a brilliant access point from school.”
According to SDS, 97% of those taking part would recommend the system to other people.
Companies keen to become involved should contact Alan McKay, college contracts officer, on 01382 834925, email a.mckay@dundeecollege.ac.uk