Pat Padden, Skills Programmes Manager at West College Scotland, talks about Modern Apprenticeships and how a workforce with sector specific skills can benefit employers and the economy.
Pat explains, “Each year more than 37,000 people start Modern Apprenticeships in order to earn while they learn, gain on-the-job training and to achieve nationally recognsied qualifications. In order to realise the benefits that Modern Apprenticeships can deliver, more needs to be done to raise awareness of the programme and the opportunities that exist for young people and employers.’
Modern apprenticeships explained
Modern Apprenticeships offer anyone over 16 paid employment combined with the opportunity to train for a job from a wide number of sectors and industries, helping young people start a career without having to enter full-time education. All Modern Apprenticeships are developed by the industries they are relevant to, giving apprentices the opportunity to enter the workplace and develop their skills while they earn a living.
West College Scotland supports Modern Apprenticeships with a portfolio of qualifications that stretch across a number of key industries including Business and Administration, Hospitality, Motor Vehicle Engineering and Hairdressing.
A win-win for all
Pat says businesses benefit from supporting the Modern Apprenticeship programme, “ Companies that take on Modern Apprentices are essentially investing in not only in the individuals future, but investing in their companies future- ensuring that they have the right skills in place when they need them; thus giving them a competitive edge. Not only are trained staff are more productive and flexible, but many companies see increased financial performance and employee retention.’’
Modern Apprentices are employed from the beginning of their programme which give young people the chance to develop their expertise, confidence and knowledge through on-the-job assessment, as well as gaining vital skills such as teamwork and problem solving. Young people receive all of this while receiving a wage from their employer. Our West College Scotland Modern Apprentices can either attend college for additional study relating to their chosen occupation or have on-site assessment at their employer’s premises.
Supporting Modern Apprenticeships
West College Scotland is committed to Modern Apprenticeships and over the past 3 years has assisted in delivering over 600 apprentices.
The College continues its commitment to the programme and supports Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Week 2017 . Keep checking our website and Facebook page to find out more about the work the College is involved in.
Want to know more?
If you are an employer and would like more information on our current Modern Apprenticeship programmes call Linda Cunningham on 0141 951 7563.
Foundation Apprenticeships
To build on the progress of the MA programme, a new strands of the apprenticeship family has been developed. Foundation Apprenticeships: Bringing education closer to industry. Foundation Apprenticeships give school pupils a taste of the world of work and help employers shape future talent. Youc an find out more about West College Scotland's Foundation Apprenticeships here.