Another eight join apprentice scheme

The successful apprentices from Bearsden, Bishopbriggs, Kirkintilloch and Lennoxtown were chosen from more than 80 other candidates to secure their place in six council teams.

They will take part in a two year programme and have opted for careers in roles including accountancy, business administration, health and social care and procurement.

Council Leader Rhondda Geekie met the new recruits and said: “Over the years we have helped young people in the fields of horticulture, customer services, construction management and various building trades.”

Newly-appointed apprentice Reece, from Kirkintilloch, who joins the accountancy team, said: “I was set to go to university and had received offers, but I wanted the chance to get practical experience.

“Knowing that I was starting this programme and was sorted actually made me look forward to the exam results coming out. I’m looking forward to gaining qualifications and a job at the end of it.”

Former Boclair Academy pupil Rowan, one of three apprentices in business administration, said: “I left school in 2014 but wasn’t certain what I wanted to do.

“I’d been to college and got a job but I saw this apprenticeship as a fresh start, doing something I could see leading to the kind of career I’d like.”

Allan Campbell, an apprentice electrician in the second year of his apprenticeship, was runner up last year in the Scottish and UK APSE Housing and Building Maintenance Apprentice of the Year Awards.

Councillor Geekie said: “Allan has worked hard and deserved the recognition he has had. He is typical of the type of enthusiastic and driven young people we are taking on

Meanwhile the council was runner up at the Microsoft Modern Apprentice of the Year Awards in the Apprentice Employer of the Year category.