Get ahead with an apprenticeship to earn and learn
Apprenticeships are creating careers for young people and building businesses in growth sectors where there’s demand for workers.
The national target to meet net-zero emissions by 2045 has meant a need for skills in renewables and sustainable construction. While sectors such as financial services, engineering and tech are also projected to need more workers in the future.
Scottish Apprenticeships support every area of career opportunity, offering the chance to get a foot in the door to earn and learn in sectors where there is a need for skills.
Senior-phase pupils get to choose a Foundation Apprenticeship as a subject at school, earning a qualification equal to a Scottish Higher. Modern Apprentices are earning while learning, while Graduate Apprenticeships offer the chance to earn and learn up to Master’s level.
Here, you can read the stories of some of Scotland’s young apprentices making a difference by kickstarting their careers in some of the country’s most important sectors of industry.
Switched-on Katy Wright put learning into practice on her apprenticeship when her new-found digital skills boosted productivity for her firm.
After starting a Modern Apprenticeship in Food and Drink Operations with multinational Diageo in Fife, Katy used her initiative to cut equipment breakdowns and operational stops on complex machinery by almost half on one of its busiest production lines.
The 26-year-old from Glenrothes led the way in creating and implementing new standards on Diageo’s production line in Leven by developing clear standards to boost consistency, safety, and efficiency.
The former Glenwood High pupil has now progressed to a new role as digital co-ordinator with the Digital Team in the Manufacturing Excellence area of the business.
Katy says: “Doing the Modern Apprenticeship at Diageo has really worked for me, as there are so many different career paths that you can choose.”
Engineering
Teen Hayden Hunter is on the path to a civil engineering career after helping keep council projects on track during an apprenticeship he took while still at school.
As part of his Foundation Apprenticeship, Hayden took a leading role in managing the design and construction of a new cycle path for West Dunbartonshire Council’s Roads Department.
The 17-year-old was initially concerned that his hearing impairment would impact his application, but overcame this with support from the employer and his learning provider, Working4U. The experience cemented his passion for the sector and after school he progressed to an HND in Civil Engineering at Glasgow Kelvin College, and he hopes to secure a Graduate Apprenticeship in environmental engineering.
Hayden, from the West Dunbartonshire town of Alexandria, says: “Doing the Foundation Apprenticeship has definitely boosted my confidence. It gave me the hands-on experience that I needed, improved my creativity and problem-solving skills, and meant I had plenty to talk about in my HND interview.”
Energy Solar
.jpeg?crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=640&quality=65)
Panel designer Kiera Wright is powering Scotland’s journey to net-zero.
The 23-year-old soared through a Graduate Apprenticeship at Forres firm aes renewables, where she became its first female engineer.
Starting in a technical admin role, Kiera upskilled through her apprenticeship and progressed to designing solar PV systems for homes, businesses and landmark sites like Edinburgh Castle.
She provides diagnostics and tech support to keep systems performing at their best, and her understanding of grid compliance has seen renewable projects integrate seamlessly with the electricity network, streamlining aes renewables’ approval processes and aftercare, as well as maximising carbon savings.
Kiera, from Buckie, says: “With the Graduate Apprenticeship, I get hands-on experience, earn a wage and it meant I wouldn’t have to travel or end up with student debt.
“The apprenticeship gave me the chance to stay in my local town, which I’m so grateful for.”
Financial services
Insurance apprentice Ethan Cheung took a proactive approach to work by supporting staff and helping customers.
The 24-year-old is now an integral part of global leader AXA Insurance’s Commercial Direct team – where he is seen as a future leader.
Ethan, from Motherwell, quickly mastered complex telephony systems and used his technical expertise and strong problem-solving skills to redesign training materials and confidently lead colleagues through major system changes.
He played a pivotal role in testing a new platform, reshaping training materials, delivering training sessions and offering post-launch support – ensuring a seamless transition with minimal disruption.
Ethan completed his Modern Apprenticeship in Providing Financial Services last year and is now working towards a diploma.
He says: “The Modern Apprenticeship was a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience, study for professional qualifications, and build credibility in a sector I was keen to join.”
Construction
Persimmon employs 49 Modern Apprentices across all manner of building trade activity within a 600-strong Scottish workforce.
The housebuilder partners with the Construction Industry Training Board and 15 colleges across Scotland.
Apprentices combine their studies with four years on site, with up to eight face-to-face reviews a year – twice the industry standard.
They learn sustainable methods including solar panels, heat pumps, and ground-source systems, supporting Persimmon’s net-zero by 2040 target.
Support includes a bespoke handbook, mental health training, and mentoring.
Apprentices are offered permanent roles in the firm and can quickly progress. Two former apprentices have risen to operations director, and 77 per cent of senior managers are internal hires.
Persimmon’s external affairs manager, Scott Lamond, adds: “Scotland has a housing emergency and a massive industry skills shortage. The country needs 25,000 tradespeople – and apprentices are part of the solution.”
For more information about Scottish Apprenticeships and to check the latest vacancies, visit apprenticeships.scot