Kilgraston School has held its inaugural Apprenticeships Fair, showcasing ‘alternative pathways’ once leaving school.
Eleven employers took part in the day-long exhibition, demonstrating to over 100 teenagers and some of their parents the idea of ‘earning while you learn’, working towards a qualification through an apprenticeship, which also gives vital workplace experience.
“The workplace is changing rapidly,” says Kilgraston’s Director of Science, Ewan Connolly, “gaining a degree is a wonderful experience, but can be an expensive and time-consuming exercise. Exploring the possibility of gaining your qualification in conjunction with subject-specific employment is, for some people, a very attractive alternative route and the opportunities are widening all the time.”
Among the exhibitors where the Royal Navy, global management consultants, GP Strategies, BT Openreach, Skills Development Scotland and international estate agents, Savills. In addition to the exhibitors, seminars ran throughout the day, giving pupils a thorough understanding of the apprenticeship process.
Katherine Thomson, a first year Graduate Apprentice studying IT Management for Business at the University of Dundee, works for the Stirling-based software house, KMsoft. Katherine spoke about her enthusiasm for the scheme and answered questions such as ‘What skills would I develop throughout the programme?’; ‘What are the entry requirements for your apprenticeship scheme?’ and ‘Will I be likely to continue working for the company once I complete my apprenticeship?”
Additionally, national vehicle company, Turner Hire Drive, ran seminars detailing its Business and Administration and Mechanical apprenticeship schemes.
Former Kilgraston pupil Helen Gloistein recently visited her old school to speak with pupils about her experience as an engineer apprentice with Rolls Royce. During the visit Helen described the various teams that she had worked with at Rolls Royce and her future prospects.
Apprenticeships are usually tethered to a company or organisation which has strong links with a geographically-close university. The University of Dundee attended the Fair, giving pupils information about the apprenticeship programmes that they support.
Useful websites:
