Apprenticeships may well be the way forward for many

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar offers an apprenticeship pathway, from foundation apprenticeships in the senior phase of School to Graduate apprenticeships.

These apprenticeships help young people receive on-the-job training and a qualification that guarantees a vocational route to success.

Foundation Apprenticeships

Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) are work-based qualifications for senior-phase secondary school pupils in local industry sectors of key growth. It’s a qualification that takes you out of the classroom and gets your foot in the door with an employer. You can choose a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 or S6. It is the same level of learning as a Higher (SCQF Level 6).

Modern Apprenticeships

Modern Apprenticeships are a great way to train employees and grow your business. Employing a MA can bring huge benefits to a business and give apprentices an opportunity to work, earn and learn. Employers can also choose to put a current staff member onto an apprenticeship to upskill them or help them develop their knowledge and skills.

Graduate Apprenticeships

A Graduate Apprenticeship is very similar to a Modern Apprenticeship. It helps you build the skills and knowledge that industries need. You'll work, get paid, and achieve a degree – up to master’s level in areas such as Engineering, Business and Law.

Jack Libby, Head of Community Care, said: “Foundation, Modern and Graduate apprenticeships offer us a fantastic opportunity to get young people and ‘adult returners’ involved in the social care profession. The career options in this sector are varied and the workplace learning offered through apprenticeships gives the perfect platform for future success.

“Young people bring with them fresh ideas and a new outlook that along with the experience of existing staff is invaluable. I would encourage all who are considering a future in the social care sector to take the first step and enrol in a Comhairle nan Eilean Siar apprenticeship.”

Cllr Paul Steele, Chair of Education, Skills and Children’s Services, said: “Apprenticeships give people a great opportunity to live, work and learn in the Western Isles. The Comhairle’s apprenticeship pathway offers a diverse range of opportunities particularly in key local sectors: Construction, Social Care, Child Care, Food and Drink and Hospitality. There is also now a need to recruit to Gaidhlig specific posts to meet new demands within the childcare and education sectors.

“If you are at school, considering a change of career, coming out of higher education or looking to move to the Western Isles the Comhairle’s apprenticeship pathway offers a range of opportunities to suit all levels of experience and education.”

To find out more about apprenticeship pathways please contact: [email protected]