Apprentices in the Glasgow college region are encouraging school pupils to explore opportunities during Scottish Apprenticeship Week (6-10 March).
Sixth-year Bishopbriggs Academy pupil Corie McSween is studying a one-year Foundation Apprenticeship at Glasgow Kelvin College. As part of her apprenticeship, Corie has been on a work placement with building and engineering firm McLaughlin and Harvey.
Corie said: "Studying a Foundation Apprenticeship has solidified my choice to pursue civil engineering as a career. It's really shown me what the industry is like and how to apply what I've learned at college to a workplace situation.
"I've been able to go on site every week and meet different professionals, including site operatives, joiners, bricklayers, quantity surveyors, environmental leaders and health and safety operatives.
"The college has been so supportive. I'm more confident and independent as a result of my Foundation Apprenticeship. It has built my skills, given me a taste of further education and insight into the world of work."
Francis Anameje attends St. Margaret Mary’s Secondary School and chose to study a Foundation Apprenticeship in software development at City of Glasgow College this year.
Francis said: "It's been a great experience overall and helped me understand the standards of a work environment, plus I've gained the necessary skills and qualifications to progress with a career in cyber security.
"I would definitely recommend a Foundation Apprenticeship to others. It gives you great insight into college and working life. You get to meet people with the same mindset and those working in the same field and destination you want to progress to in life."
17-year-old Wendy Ihemeson is at St. Roch's secondary school and is completing a Social Services for Children and Young People Foundation Apprenticeship at Glasgow Clyde College.
Wendy said: "What I enjoyed about my college experience is that I get to meet new people and, as well as learning about child development, I also get to work and interact with children. My nursery placement has been really fun.
"I would really recommend a Foundation Apprenticeship to others. It's a great way to gain experience, meet new people, and it's also very good as a qualification."
The Glasgow college region is building its regional Foundation Apprenticeship programme, offering the largest number of work-based and college learning opportunities to date. Places are available across City of Glasgow College, Glasgow Clyde College and Glasgow Kelvin College, as part of an improved collaborative approach with leading employers from across the Glasgow city region including Network Rail, Scottish Water, AXA and the Glasgow Science Centre.
"In Glasgow, learners and employers across the region are benefitting from our enhanced integrated approach. Foundation Apprenticeships offer students a wide range of learning and career opportunities while meeting regional skills needs, supporting employers’ needs and strengthening our region’s economic future.”
Foundation Apprenticeships are supported by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and Skills Development Scotland (SDS). For more information and to apply for future opportunities visit http://www.fapglasgow.scot/.