Inverness College UHI presents the Highland Apprenticeship Showcase
Employers from across the north of Scotland will come together at Inverness College UHI on Wednesday 7th March to promote the world of apprenticeships and the opportunities in the Highlands and Islands right now.
To celebrate Scottish Apprenticeship Week (5th to 9th March), Inverness College UHI has joined forces with Developing the Young Workforce and Skills Development Scotland to present the Highland Apprenticeship Showcase.
Anyone interested in finding out about apprenticeships including senior secondary school pupils, their parents, and people looking for a career change, are invited to attend the event, which runs from 4.30pm to 7pm.
It’s an opportunity for members of the public to explore the different types of apprenticeships, how they work and to meet employers looking for new recruits. Employers interested in taking on an apprentice are also invited to attend and speak to staff at Inverness College UHI about what’s involved.
The evening part of the showcase follows a closed event at Inverness College UHI for S3 pupils during the day. Secondary schools from across the Highlands have been invited to attend the event, which will see pupils explore the world of apprenticeships, meet employers and take part in a series of hands-on interactive activities designed to encourage them to think about a vocational pathway during and after they leave school.
The apprenticeship family includes foundation, modern and graduate apprenticeships and Inverness College UHI and its partners across the University of the Highlands and Islands network provide all three. Foundation apprenticeships are aimed at senior secondary school pupils who choose, as part of their option choices, the opportunity to study for sector specific qualifications at college one day per week, combined with work experience. Modern and graduate apprentices are employed to undertake a job role, with most attending university to gain practical and academic qualifications. They work, earn and learn at the same time, combining employment with study right up to honours degree level. Employers can also get government help to pay for training costs of apprentices aged 16-24, with contributions available for older apprentices in some industries.
Georgina Parker, director of business development at Inverness College UHI, said: “We’re delighted to join forces with Developing the Young Workforce and Skills Development Scotland to present the Highland Apprenticeship Showcase, which will promote the range of apprenticeships available and the benefits of vocational pathways to both the employee and the employer. Apprenticeships offer an alternative route into employment, allowing people to work, earn, gain valuable experience and study for a recognised qualification, all at the same time. It’s win, win for everyone involved, with the apprentice able to get a head start in the competitive job market and the employer able to plan for the future and develop a confident, qualified worker who meets the needs of their business. The showcase is a real opportunity for school leavers or people who are in a job, but want a career, to find out about apprenticeship opportunities in the Highlands right now and how to get one.”
Andy Maxtone, programme manager, DYW Inverness and Central Highland, said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to join forces with Inverness College UHI and Skills Development Scotland to provide a platform through which to facilitate conversations between young people and prospective employers.
“There has never been a better time to consider an apprenticeship. For young people, it provides the immediate opportunity to enter the workforce and gain recognised qualifications while also enjoying the financial freedom and independence that comes with combining earning and learning. For employers, apprenticeships help fill skills gaps and safeguard industries for the next generation – which is particularly important in the Highlands. The event will showcase valuable insights into the day-to-day role of an apprentice as well answer any questions young people considering this career path may have.”
Gillian Unger, team leader, Skills Development Scotland, said: “Skills Development Scotland is delighted to be supporting the Highland Apprenticeship Showcase event which offers an exciting opportunity for pupils and adults to experience the range of work based learning opportunities in the Highlands. They will be able to explore the various types of apprenticeships first hand, whilst gathering a greater understanding of the wealth of employers in the region.”
There are more than 100 different apprenticeships available, tailored to fit different job roles. Inverness College UHI currently offers 6 foundation apprenticeship programmes with over 700 senior phase pupils taking up the opportunity to gain industry recognised qualifications while still at school. Inverness College UHI provides training to up to 650 modern apprentices every year, across an increasing range of sectors including: aquaculture, business, engineering, motor vehicle, hairdressing, creative industries, hospitality, forestry, life sciences and financial services. The university also offers a graduate apprenticeship in civil engineering allowing people to study up to honours degree level.
To find out about apprenticeship opportunities at Inverness College UHI visit www.inverness.uhi.ac.uk/apprenticeships