Our Workforce for the Future strategy is creating many new Modern Apprenticeships, Graduate Apprenticeships, Traineeships, and Paid Work Experience placements for young people in the local area.
Our Workforce for the Future strategy is creating many new Modern Apprenticeships, Graduate Apprenticeships, Traineeships, and Paid Work Experience placements for young people in the local area.
Robbie and Finlay recently joined us Modern Apprentice mechanics and are relishing the prospect of playing key roles in our Macmerry workshop.
To mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week, Robbie and Finlay reflected on their positive experience so far, working as part of a supportive team.
“I started in December and it’s been a really good first couple of months,” says Robbie, a former Preston Lodge High School pupil from Longniddry.
“As well as doing practical tasks and learning on the job, we spend time at college every third week.”
Finlay, from Musselburgh, explains the varied nature of their work, supporting the maintenance of the council’s vehicles.
“The role includes servicing vehicles, stripping brakes and engines,” says the former Musselburgh Grammar School pupil.
“I enjoy that it’s quite hands on and practical. You learn both from going to college and being in the workshop.”
Both lads would encourage others to consider applying for an apprenticeship.
“It’s definitely something worth looking at,” says Robbie.
“It gives you the chance to get good experience, work towards gaining a qualification and helps you get ready for future work,” adds Finlay.
As a result of the work of East Lothian Works (the council’s Employability and Business Support Service), several Modern Apprentices have recently been recruited into the council. The new recruits are working in a range of different departments, including HR, Payroll, Revenues, Transport and Waste, and school offices. These young people are gaining new skills and experiences that will benefit them when they progress further in their careers, and improving their confidence as they go.
These places are able to be offered to local young people through recovery funds from both the UK and Scottish Government, focusing on supporting a range of people into employment. The focus is on creating roles in line with Skills Development Scotland’s Regional Skills Assessment.
East Lothian Council is also currently hosting 14 paid placements as part of the Kickstart initiative. These individuals are working with departments such as the Countryside Rangers, Protective Services, East Lothian Works, Transport and Waste.
There are other job opportunities in the pipeline for interested individuals, with a number of roles currently being advertised at being advertised at Jobs | East Lothian Council | myjobscotland
East Lothian Works can also provide information and support in relation to employability - more information is on the East Lothian Works web pages.