A new chance to learn

Apprentice plan

Pu p i l s i n We s t Lothian still have the chance to start new apprenticeships while still at school.

Youngsters who think this might be an option for them are being encouraged to speak to a guidance teacher.

Foundat ion Apprenticeships are a twoyear, industry- recognised qualification taken alongside their other subjects. They allow pupils to spend time at college and with an employer in their chosen industry.

Supported by Ski l l s Development Scotland (SDS), West Lothian College is working with schools and employers to offer Foundation Apprenticeships in civil engineering and software development.

Head of foundation apprenticeships at SDS, Diane Greenlees, said: “Whether you did better than expected or didn’t quite get the results you had hoped for, there’s still time to apply for a Foundation Apprenticeship. Any S5 pupils considering this option should speak to their guidance teacher or their SDS schools careers adviser as soon as possible to find out whether their school is participating and whether this would be a good option for them.”

Principal of West Lothian College, Mhairi Harrington OBE, added: “We were delighted to recognise the achievement of our first Foundation Apprentices at an awards ceremony we held in June. We listened to the students telling us what a difference this had made to their lives and chosen pathways, with every student progressing on in to either a workplace apprenticeship or a more advanced programme.”