As part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week 25, partners across Renfrewshire introduced a hands on initiative designed to challenge perceptions and broaden awareness of apprenticeships among senior phase pupils.
Many young people are unsure about apprenticeships or may not have considered them as a career path. To change that, pupils were given the opportunity to spend a day with an employer, shadowing an apprentice to gain real insight into what the role entails. They learned about entry routes, qualifications, salary expectations and the key skills employers look for.
This initiative was made possible through the collaboration of Skills Development Scotland, Renfrewshire Council and DYW West, with support from several leading employers across targeted sectors:
Logistics & Transport: The Malcolm Group
Construction: City Gate Construction Ltd, Taylor Wimpey Plc, Thomas Johnstone Ltd
Early Years: Renfrewshire Council (Foxlea Nursery)
Engineering & Manufacturing: Howden, Rolls-Royce, Altrad UK, Scottish Leather Group
Automotive: Arnold Clark
Students from Park Mains High School, Gryffe High School, Castlehead High School and Linwood High School took part and were awarded certificates by their host employer and apprentice as recognition of their participation.
Following the success of this initiative in Renfrewshire, Skills Development Scotland has published an article on the impact of the project and is encouraging more employers to get involved. If your company has an apprentice and would be interested in offering a similar experience, please register your interest via the link below.
A huge thank you to all the employers who welcomed pupils into their workplaces and to Suzie Scott, Michael Morgan, Yvonne Ward and Emma Stockan for their support in making this initiative happen.
The best way to challenge misconceptions about apprenticeships is through real experiences like this. Providing young people with direct exposure to the workplace helps them see the opportunities available and the value apprenticeships can offer.
Read the full SDS article
Employers: Get involved across Scotland