It’s Scottish Apprenticeship Week and we’re celebrating by sharing stories of young people who have chosen this route to kick-start their career. First up: Foundation Apprenticeships.
The Foundation Apprenticeship helped me determine if a career as a scientist was right for me. It equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications necessary for my role.
For Finlay Maciver and Lauren Crighton, the Foundation Apprenticeship in Scientific Technologies they gained while still at school helped them to stand out from the crowd in a competitive recruitment process, securing sought-after positions on Scottish Water’s Modern Apprenticeship programme.
Finlay, an alumnus of Musselburgh Grammar School, and Lauren, a former student of Ross High School, were able to use the experience they’d gained undertaking the qualification at Dunbar Grammar to help them move seamlessly from education into employment.
Launch a successful career
Foundation Apprenticeships offer development opportunities, challenging and rewarding work and the chance to launch a successful career. Apprentices earn nationally recognised qualifications while gaining practical work experience and learning from experienced colleagues. East Lothian pupils can embark on a variety of Foundation Apprenticeships with East Lothian Council: Accountancy, Business Skills, Scientific Technologies, Social Services Children and Young People, and IT: Software Development.
Finlay believes that the Foundation Apprenticeship was instrumental in helping him choose his path after school, saying: “The Foundation Apprenticeship helped me determine if a career as a scientist was right for me. It equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications necessary for my role in the labs at Scottish Water. “A Modern Apprenticeship was appealing because it allowed me to learn on the job while working towards qualifications like an HNC, all while earning a salary instead of accumulating university debt.”
Real-world experience
Lauren agreed, adding: “Being placed directly in the lab boosted my confidence and provided substantial real-world experience. I hadn’t seriously considered becoming a scientist until I experienced it firsthand. I never wanted to go to university as I didn’t enjoy school. I preferred gaining real-world experience. One of the main attractions was being paid to work and study, rather than paying to study without gaining work experience.”
East Lothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s and Family Services, Councillor Fiona Dugdale, said: “Foundation Apprenticeships offer unique opportunities for senior pupils to gain both training and work experience while still at school. I’m delighted to hear that it has resulted in permanent jobs and the start of what will hopefully be a fulfilling career for Finlay and Lauren.
“Colleagues in East Lothian Works liaise closely with a range of local employers and schools to provide opportunities and it’s encouraging to hear how much our young people enjoy the experience.”
Committed to youth employment
Scottish Water is one of only eight businesses, and the only utility company in Scotland, to hold the prestigious Investors in Young People Platinum standard, highlighting its commitment to youth employment.
Miriam McGaff, Early Careers Consultant at Scottish Water, said: “We were very proud to welcome Lauren and Finlay as our new Modern Apprentices in Scientific Services. Their Foundation Apprenticeships in Scientific Technologies have given them a head start in their SVQ qualifications and a solid understanding of the work environment.”
Interested in finding out more about Foundation Apprenticeship opportunities in school? East Lothian Works is here to help.