Modern Apprenticeship Programme
20th November 2023
The programme enables people to work, earn and learn as a paid employee over a period of 18 months. While gaining valuable work experience the recruits are supported to achieve an industry recognised qualification.
For employers, modern apprenticeships help develop their workforce by training new staff and upskilling existing employees.
Kata Garzo (21), Francesca Scott (31) and Grace Henderson (18) recently completed their own MA SVQ qualifications with HIE and have since secured permanent positions.
Kata started as procurement assistant with HIE in September 2022, working out of the organisation's Inverness office. Reflecting on the experience, she said:
"I think apprenticeships are hugely underestimated. They enable you to learn as you work and acquire the right skills for a specific job. This gives you a big advantage and creates opportunities to gain more experience and be well placed to move up the ladder. I feel like I've learnt more in six months as an MA than I did in a year at college. And there's always plenty support. I'm so pleased I went down this path and would highly recommend it for everybody!"
Francesca and Grace are financial administrators in HIE's Benbecula office. Grace, who started her MA in July 2022, said:
"I would definitely recommend to people that they think about a Modern Apprenticeship if they’re looking to start or even change career. I didn’t know a lot about it at first but approached it with an open mind and found it to be a great alternative to the university or college route, which would have meant leaving home. The learning has been very hands on and practical, with lots of support."
Stepanka Nicol, recruitment and resourcing manager with HIE’s HR team, said, "As an organisation we are committed to developing the young workforce as part of our workforce plan and have recently appointed a cohort of graduates and modern apprentices. Our MA and graduate programme is a great way to attract fresh talent and to enable more young people to remain in the region. Now that Grace, Francesca and Kata have all successfully completed their SVQ training we are delighted we have been able to make their posts permanent with us.
More information on the Modern Apprenticeship programme is available on the Skills Development Scotland website
Related Businesses
Related Articles
The West Highland Tea Company is improving the energy efficiency and footprint of its newly leased premises in Mallaig. A manufacturing company in Lochaber has embarked on a £113,300 project to reduce its carbon footprint while increasing production and creating jobs.
HIE awarded Cultarlann Inbhir Nis £176,800 towards the cost of purchasing the Academy Street building. The charity has reached an agreement in principle with the Church of Scotland to buy it.
Thàinig luchd-labhairt òg na Gàidhlig bho àrd-sgoiltean air feadh sgìre Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd còmhla ri Leasachadh Sgilean na h-Alba (SDS) agus Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd air Diardaoin 9 Samhain san Eden Court ann an Inbhir Nis, airson a' chiad Siuthad! aghaidh ri aghaidh bho 2019. Tha an tachartas eagraichte le Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd agus SDS le maoineachadh a' tighinn bho Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd 's nan Eilean (HIE) agus Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
A £280,000 project is under way on the west coast island of Islay to upgrade the island's only brewery. Islay Ales Co Ltd has secured up to £54,000 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards the project, which will create the equivalent of 2.5 full time jobs and help retain an existing post.
The current financial year is shaping up to be a good one for inward investment to the Highlands and Islands. Vicky Grant is HIE's head of international trade and investment.
At a time when the debt market is transforming, the British Business Bank is bringing a debt finance roadshow to the Highlands and Moray. In partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Highland Council, the roadshow is a hands-on event tailored for SMEs looking to secure debt financing.
A Shetland-based engineering alliance has been awarded £105,000 from Highland and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to accelerate plans to deliver major floating offshore wind contracts and large-scale energy projects. Norn combines the expertise of four leading engineering firms - Malakoff, Ocean Kinetics, LEF and Voar Energy, all based on the islands.
Twenty six entrepreneurs from the Highland and Islands have started the final edition of a four month programme aimed at putting them on the fast track to success. Pathfinder Accelerator is led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
IMPACT30 is led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and delivered by business skills training consultancy, Skillfluence. The fully funded business growth programme for people aged 35 and under who are in key decision-making roles, offers bespoke support from industry specialists.
There's been further improvement in the confidence businesses in the Highlands and Islands have in Scotland's economic outlook and on the performance of individual enterprises. However, concerns over finances remain prominent.