Press Release
Successful Modern Apprentices complete training with SIC
A group of nine trainees recruited in 2007 have recently qualified and are now actively looking for their next employment opportunity.
A recruitment programme for Modern Apprentices was introduced by the Council in 2005 in response to requests from local industry.
The apprentices are employed on temporary contracts for four years to gain qualifications in various construction related trades, namely: joinery, painting and decorating, plumbing, technician level training in architecture, civil engineering, electrical and also heavy vehicle maintenance. Participating council departments include Housing, Roads, Capital Projects, Building Services and Transport.
There are no guarantees of employment at the end of the apprenticeship programme as the aim of the scheme is to provide skills training that will benefit Shetland as a whole, not just the local authority.
Train Shetland co-ordinated the training and accessed government funding form Skills Development Scotland to contribute to the costs involved.
Margaret Simpson, Vocational Training Manager at Train Shetland said:
“The trainees have gained a lot over the past four years and are now ready to use their skills and experience in the workplace. They have all shown great enthusiasm for the programme and have benefitted from practical and relevant job training as well as gaining a nationally recognised qualification.
“I would like to congratulate them on their commitment to the training programme and wish them every success in the next stage of their careers.”
Janice Leask of Train Shetland will be happy to liaise with apprentices if any companies or potential employers wish to get in touch. Tel 01595 743743, e-mail janice.leask@shetland.gov.uk.
Back row left to right: Jordan Wiseman - Plumber, Matthew Medley- Plumber, Ieuan Reynolds - Construction Management Technician.
Front row left to right: Lorna Mackay - Painter, Matthew Smith - Joiner, Grant Anderson – Civil Engineering Technician, Amy Garriock – Electrician, Magnus Einarsson – Joiner, Lauren Devonald – Architectural Technician. Janice Leask, Training Co-ordinator, Train Shetland.