The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Apprentices join up at Crannog Centre in new training scheme
TOURISM: Recruits will play key role as they work towards SVQ qualification
The Scottish Crannog Centre has launched an apprenticeship scheme at its iconic home on the banks of Loch Tay.
Young apprentices are being given the chance to train at the replica Iron Age dwelling for a year, while working towards an SVQ in Customer Service.
They will undertake duties such as tour guiding, and will get an opportunity to learn skills including traditional fire making, woodworking, textiles and cooking.
The scheme is funded by SSE, Perth and Kinross Council, Museums Galleries Scotland, and the Gannochy Trust.
Mike Benson, director of the Crannog Centre, said: “Everyone is really excited about the youngsters joining the Crannog community. They will bring fresh insight and ideas and will play a key role in how we tell our story and how we continue to develop as an organisation.”
John Campbell, senior skills
“Everyone is really excited about the youngsters joining. They will bring a fresh insight and ideas. MIKE BENSON, DIRECTOR OF THE CRANNOG CENTRE
development manager at Museums Galleries Scotland, added: “We are delighted to support the centre in training five apprentices for an SVQ in Customer Service.
“The experience of vocational training in such a lively and ambitious museum will make for an exciting year for the apprentices. We wish them well with their training and look forward to seeing the important part they will play in continuing to tell the fascinating story of the Scottish Crannog Centre.”
Joanna Mccreadie, chief executive of the Gannochy Trust, said: “An apprenticeship is a great way to learn valuable skills that will help the apprentices secure jobs in the future and open up new opportunities. We wish the first five candidates the best of luck.”
The Skills and Employment Initiatives team at Perth and Kinross Council has worked alongside the Crannog Centre to extend the business, including the introduction of the apprenticeship scheme.
Funding for the apprenticeships came from the Scottish Government’s No One Left Behind initiative and Perth and Kinross Council’s Rural Employment Incentive. David Littlejohn, head of planning and development at the authority, said he “looks forward to working” with the centre and its new apprentices.