Apprentices go back to school

The Kirkintilloch High School event was part of the recent Learning Through Work Week, organised by Skills Development Scotland, which saw employers, training providers and Modern Apprentices meeting pupils in more than 300 Scottish schools to promote the benefits of work-based learning.

Rachel Burns, Emma Cowie and Ross Lindores, all former pupils of the school, spoke about what East Dunbartonshire Council’s Modern Apprenticeship programme has meant to them.

Rachel began her Modern Apprentice in Customer Services two years ago and was delighted to be able to take part in the workshop to speak to young people at her old school.

She said: “I think I’m basically a people person and the idea of helping customers with problems or questions really appealed to me so this apprenticeship has been ideal. It was great being back at school, seeing some familiar faces and being able to answer pupils’ questions about apprenticeships, working in Customer Services and in general, how I made the choice of what to do after school.

“There’s lots of support available to school leavers so it’s important to get as much information and advice as you can. I’d say, don’t rule out an apprenticeship as a possibility as it has been the right choice for me and many others. Most important though is to aim to do something you’ll enjoy.”

Councillor Eric Gotts, Convener of East Dunbartonshire’s Education Committee, said: “Over the last two years we have taken on 27 Modern Apprentices and it’s wonderful that some of them are sharing their experience with pupils, giving them an insight into what is involved.”