Iain leads new route to work

Last month Scotland celebrated Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Week, an initiative set up by the Scottish Government’s national skills body, Skills Development Scotland (SDS), to highlight the benefits apprenticeships bring to businesses, individuals and the economy.

The Modern Apprenticeship scheme offers new and existing employees the opportunity to gain skills and qualifications in the workplace, without the need for full-time study.

According to SDS, three-quarters of modern apprentices expect to remain with their current employer after completing their training, while around two thirds will take on increased responsibility and improved pay.

Iain MacNaughton has taken full advantage of the scheme, which has helped him excel as a Land-based Service Engineering Modern Apprentice at Thistle Ground Care Equipment based in Lanarkshire.

Iain said: “Studying for a Modern Apprenticeship has given me the knowledge and on the job skills I need to kick start my career. The Modern Apprenticeship is far more in-depth than your average engineering courses, and this I believe will make me better at my job and a more effective engineer. It is a good starting point to develop your career and get on quickly.”

Lantra Scotland’s director Kevin Patrick said: “Modern Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to bring new entrants into Scotland’s land-based and aquaculture industries. Whilst gaining valuable experience in the workplace, apprentices quickly become an asset to their employers, bringing new ideas from their vocational learning to the job.”