It’s never too late to start newcareerasapprentice
Study finds workers assume learning new trade is only for young
FED-UP Glasgow workers are limiting their options by assuming that apprenticeships are just for school leavers, according to new research.
A survey revealed 41 per cent of people in the city wouldn’t consider an apprenticeship as a route to beginning a new career, and 20 per cent believe they are too old.
Only four per cent of people in Glasgow surveyed by Scottish Gas thought you could undertake an apprenticeship in your 30s.
But the energy company say that in fact, almost a third of their apprentices are older than 30.
The research also showed that 20 per cent of the people asked said that they would definitely do an apprenticeship, while almost a third said they would seriously consider it.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week starts today, and five days of events are being staged across the country to showcase what modern apprenticeships bring to individuals, businesses and the economy.
As part of this, Scottish Gas is opening the doors to its Hamilton Academy to give people the chance to find out what their modern apprenticeships involve.
Scottish Gas engineer Alexandra McGregor, from Bishopton, has joined the campaign to encourage more people to take up the posts, as she did six years ago.
She said: “I’ve gained so many different skills at a young age. It wouldn’t have been possible had I not been chosen for the Scottish Gas apprenticeship.”
Alexandra, 23, volunteered in her local community with the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) society as part of the apprenticeship.
She said: “Through volunteering with the local branch I learned about MS and the struggles people living with MS have.
“It gave me a deeper understanding of my brother’s situation. I now know he can and does live an independent and fulfilled life.”
As a result of her work, Alexandra was nominated for an MS Young Person of the Year award.
She also received a Millennium Volunteer Award for 200 hours of volunteer- ing, which was presented by the First Minister.
Another former apprentice, John Lochrie, who is now Scottish Gas’s Operations Director for HomeCare Services said: “It’s clear from our research that while many people see the value in apprenticeships, they don’t necessarily realise that the training is suitable for everyone of working age – whether that’s a teenage school leaver, a mum wanting to earn while she learns, or someone looking to retrain for later in life.
“People in Scotland may be limiting their options and not exploring an ap- prenticeship as a legitimate career route.
“At Scottish Gas, our apprentices come from all walks of life. Almost a third are over the age of 30, and many are career-changers.
“I’d encourage people to shake off the old stereotypes and consider undertaking a modern apprenticeship no matter how old they are.
“We welcome everyone into the programme and are proud to be an inclusive employer.”
Scottish Gas has hundreds of apprentices in Scotland, investing about £30,000 for each apprentice it trains.