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This week (May 19th to 23rd 2014) is Modern Apprenticeships Week in Scotland, highlighting the positive impact that enabling young people to secure industry-recognised qualifications while earning a wage has on the national and local economy and communities throughout the country.
Perth & Kinross Council has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Modern Apprenticeships scheme for some time, enabling young people to gain valuable experience and skills training for their future career paths while working in a diverse range of areas within Council Services from customer services and school administration to horticulture, waste management and environmental health.
The first Modern Apprentice (MA) graduation ceremony for the Council, held recently, saw the achievements of 29 young people celebrated.
A clear indication of the positive impact of Modern Apprenticeships can be found in the experience of Support Assistant Fraser Davidson, based in the Council’s Environment Service, who joined the Council as an MA in August 2011. He said: “The Modern Apprentices programme has been a godsend in terms of my career and has massively improved my life since I joined. I have gained three great qualifications – SVQs Level 2 and 3 in Business Administration and the European Computer Driving Licence; had the chance to be part of historic events like the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Perth Kilt Run; and most importantly it helped me to secure my permanent post with the Council in 2012. I had fantastic support throughout my Modern Apprenticeship and I will never forget that it was thanks to this programme I got to where I am now.”
The Council’s Chief Executive, Bernadette Malone said: “We are pleased to back the Modern Apprenticeships scheme as it has dual benefits – we support young people into employment and training to prepare them for the world of work and enable them to play their part in delivering services in our communities around Perth and Kinross. Fraser is a great example of what our Modern Apprentices can achieve and we’re delighted to have such enthusiastic and hardworking young people as part of the Council workforce.”
Modern Apprenticeships Week will also mark the start of fundraising activity by the latest group of MAs to join the Council. This year they will be supporting the PKAVS Young Carers Project through a series of sporting activities as well as a cake sale and raffle.
