Modern Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships are aimed at those aged 16 or above and capable of achieving a vocational qualification (VQ) at Level Two or above. The programme can be used to train existing employees or new employees. Any company in Scotland - whatever its size - can take part in the programme.
What do Modern Apprenticeships offer?
As a Modern Apprentice you will be employed from the very start of your training and receive a wage from your employer. You will then be given the chance to develop expertise and knowledge through on-the-job assessment as well as gaining vital skills such as team work and problem solving. A recent independent evaluation showed that the main reasons for people becoming a Modern Apprentice included the attraction of a job with training, the opportunity to gain a qualification and the opportunity to learn and gain knowledge and experience. There is also the security of knowing that your progress is being monitored and supported by your employer and your Local Enterprise Company and that you are working towards a nationally recognised qualification. Modern Apprentices tend to have an improved ability to do their job, improved communication, team working skills and increased likelihood of future training activities.
The 1st year apprentice programme is carried out in an off the job environment consisting of 36 weeks at Jewel and Esk College, which is near to Dalkeith, Midlothian, Edinburgh. Here the apprentices study for their Scottish Vocational Qualification in Performing Engineering Operations (PEO) at level 2 and at the same time for their National Cerificate, which is their underpinning knowledge part of the MA. On completion of their first year the apprentice progresses onto their level 3 vocational qualification, which allows them to specialise in the area which is most benifical to the company the apprentice works at. This course of study is classified as "on the job training" where a qualified person in the organisation acts as their mentor and some times there assessor.