This week is National Apprenticeship week across Scotland. Its a week dedicated to showcase and highlight companies and the talents of their apprentices, as well as promote new apprenticeship schemes for the coming year.
Apprenticeships help with those who are starting their career or who are looking to change career path as well as support the Scottish economy.
ScotRail have been running apprenticeship schemes for many years through its ‘Early Careers” pathway and it is once more promoting the schemes they have on offer, not only have they announced additional investment being put towards their apprenticeships, they have also announced new schemes which will open up new opportunities as well as help in the long term to reduce ScotRail's carbon footprint.
The apprenticeships on offer last five years, and cover a broad spectrum of schemes including engineering, customer service and admin.
All roles ensure the next generation of youngsters are provided with on-the-job training, coupled with valuable work experience, they can hone and develop their skills to help start their careers.
They are also combined with studying at a college or university.
Those that take up an apprenticeship will work alongside existing apprentices at ScotRail that started the same programme a few years previously, who are working their way towards a full-time job.
For more information on ScotRail's apprenticeships visit www.scotrail.co.uk/early-careers.
Julie Dale, ScotRail HR Director, said: “An apprenticeship is a great way to access a career within ScotRail, and we're proud to be supporting Scottish Apprenticeship Week, helping to deliver more opportunities across the business. Apprenticeships can have a significant impact on the organisation, helping to tackle skills shortages, and shaping the future workforce. Supporting apprenticeships can also have a positive impact on the broader economy, increasing opportunities for young people and reducing the likelihood of unemployment on leaving education. ScotRail is extremely proud of our apprentices, and we are delighted to provide them with a valuable platform to start their career. We will continue to invest in our people and give them the best opportunity to make a positive impact in their chosen profession.”
Testimonials from Apprentices working at ScotRail
Ryan is a first-year finance graduate apprentice working at ScotRail's Head Office. He said:
“ScotRail is a huge company with a very good reputation, so when I saw they were offering apprenticeships it was an opportunity I really couldn't refuse. Being a finance graduate apprentice means you work in the Head Office, and you also go to university. After completing my degree at Robert Gordon University, I hope to complete my professional ICAS qualification to become a chartered accountant. So there's a clear pathway for my role at ScotRail. What's good about being an apprentice is that you're working with such a knowledgeable team who are always there to help. Being alongside them definitely develops your knowledge of the whole business of finance, which you wouldn't get when you're at university.
“If you're thinking about taking an apprenticeship with ScotRail, I would say definitely go for it.”
Blyth recently joined ScotRail as an apprentice engineer at Haymarket depot. She said: “As an apprentice, I can attend further education and receive training to become an engineer. At first, it's hard to grasp that you'll be one of a few females working in the depot, but ScotRail is very welcoming. The men and women I work with are very helpful, non-judgemental, and I know I will be supported and accepted no matter my gender. I think ScotRail is a great place to work, it's really friendly, and it's a job for life.”
Corey is a second-year engineering apprentice with ScotRail. He said: “With the four-year apprenticeship programme at ScotRail, you get the freedom to try different things, see what you enjoy, and decide where you want your career to go. An apprenticeship with ScotRail allows you to combine practical work experience and attend college through day release for the theory. You can gain so many skills, experiences, meet new people and just see what ScotRail is about. Anyone thinking about an apprenticeship with ScotRail, I would say just go for it. I'm loving it, all the people at ScotRail make you feel so welcome, it's been excellent.”
