Apprentice Event Celebrates Skilled School Pupils in Perth Skills for the Future

The first group of talented Perthshire sixth-year pupils gain their Foundation Apprenticeship qualification ahead of exam results.

Pupils from Perthshire were recognised at a special celebration event to mark the completion of their Foundation Apprenticeships.

The youngsters chose to take a two-year Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Skills as a school subject alongside their Highers or Nationals to gain an industry recognised work-based learning qualification alongside their other subjects.

The event, which took place at Perth College UHI's award winning restaurant, was attended by representatives from AVIVA, Stagecoach and Agile Cadence who have provided work placements for the first cohort of Business Skills apprentices.

The school pupils gained industry-recognised qualifications through work placements in the financial services, transport and computer technology industries.

Steven Stewart, Director of Communications at Stagecoach Group, said:

“Foundations Apprenticeships are a great win-win for young people and for employers. For students, it gives them a route to developing new skills and they benefit from invaluable work experience with a recognised qualification at the end. Being part of Foundation Apprenticeships also gives these employers an advantage. Young people on work placements can bring new ideas and it also gives businesses access to future talent.”

Developed by Skills Development Scotland, Foundation Apprenticeships offer pupils hands-on work experience and the change to attend college, leading to a qualification at the same level as a school Higher.

Students attend college one day a week whilst they are in fifth year, giving them the chance to experience education in a different setting to school. Connor Jones, a current student, said:

“The biggest eye opener has been the way you’re treated by everyone. It’s like you an adult...it’s nice to get that freedom.”