Glowing report for Council's Apprenticeship Programme

21st November 2019

The Highland Council Modern Apprenticeship Programme recently achieved a top grading following a three-day Quality Assurance Assessment from Skills Development Scotland.

The Council's Modern Apprenticeship provision has been designed so it can utilise current resources to deliver high quality training to new and existing employees. Feedback from the assessing team highlighted that the Council fully demonstrated that it is meeting all the standards with strong strengths and exhibiting best practice.

Recent additions to the programme have been 20 Early Years Practitioners and the Council is on track to have supported 191 apprentices as part of the programme by the end of this financial year.

John Greig joined the Highland Council as a Youth Trainee in October 2018. Recognising his potential, the IT department elected to give John the opportunity to complete an SVQ in IT and Telecommunications. Modern Apprenticeships are not always available for Youth Trainees due to the time constraints, but because John applied himself to his studies he was able to complete the qualification in short order, testament to his diligence and hard work.

On top of this John was awarded the Trainee of the Year award at The Highland Council Awards ceremony last Thursday and has now secured a full-time role as a Digital Service Officer

Lily Scrimgeour started her apprenticeship in October 2017, coming straight from school working in Corporate Resources. Lily said: "This experience has allowed me to improve aspects of my job and my personal life as it has given me a deeper knowledge of the importance of prioritising tasks and time management. My apprenticeship has not only provided me with career skills, but it has also provided me with many social skills that will be beneficial when developing into future roles".

Lily has completed her apprenticeship and Scottish Vocational Qualification in Business Administration and now has a post as a Revenues Assistant in Corporate Resources.

 

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