As part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, we are helping you understand more about the apprenticeship framework in Scotland.  There are three levels of apprenticeship, Foundation, Modern and Graduate.  Today we are focusing on Foundation Apprenticeships.

Are you a local employer who would like to learn more about apprenticeships and the benefits they can offer your business?

​Developing the Young Workforce are working in partnership with Skills Development Scotland to host a national online event for employers.

​This event will provide employers of all sizes with the latest information about apprenticeships, current funding support and practical advice on how to take on an apprentice - whether a new recruit or upskilling an existing employee.

​To celebrate Scottish Apprenticeships Week, we are highlighting the diversity that makes work-based learning good for individuals, employers and the economy.
 
Throughout the week, BBC Radio Orkney are featuring interviews with local people who are undertaking apprenticeships along with their employers, who are supporting them through the qualification.

​Next week is Scottish Apprenticeships Week, which celebrates the diversity that makes work-based learning good for individuals, employers and the economy.
 
This year’s campaign theme is ‘Talent Without Limits’ and we want to use the week to challenge the stereotypical view of apprenticeships and highlight the diverse range of apprenticeships that exist in Orkney.

Are you a current, or past apprentice?  Want to share your success story, tell others that university is not the only way and share the benefits of choosing an apprenticeship?  Then join Scotland’s Apprentice Network.

Local employers are invited to book their place at an event that will help them learn more about recruiting apprentices and attracting young people to their workforce.

​Hosted by Remarkable, on behalf of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce Orkney, this will be an opportunity for local employers to hear from some of the organisations who can help them recruit young people into their business and learn more about accessing the opportunities available to develop new or existing employees.

An Orkney and Apprenticeships: Skills for the Future information event was held at Orkney College UHI on Wednesday 6 March 2019 to help young people, parents and carers learn more about the different apprenticeships available in Orkney and understand the opportunities they offer for progression in a career.

We’ve had a busy week spreading the message about Foundation Apprenticeships.

On Monday, we held an information evening for senior teaching staff, guidance teachers and careers advisers from local schools. This event was supported by staff from the Work Based Learning Hub at University of the Highlands and Islands and Curriculum Leads from Orkney College UHI.

Those present were given an overview of Foundation Apprenticeships in Scotland and heard some of the success stories from elsewhere in Scotland. The curriculum leads then spoke in more detail about the frameworks being offered in Orkney in 2019, highlighting the academic aspect of the subjects and the benefits the vocational, work placement element offers young people.

On Tuesday we attended the Senior Phase Parent's Evening at Stromness Academy to speak to parents about the Foundation Apprenticeships being offered.

Thursday saw us, along with Orkney College, delivering an input to all teaching staff at Stromness Academy, as part for their in-service training.

All of these inputs have been really beneficial as they have enabled us to inform those who support young people about the options available. We have also been able to answer any questions they may have and help them understand the various options available to learners as part of the Orkney Offer.

There will be four Foundation Apprenticeships available in Orkney next year. They are Business Skills, IT: Software Development, Social Services and Healthcare and, Social Services: Children and Young People. If you would like to learn more about what the can offer, speak to your careers advisers, guidance teachers or Orkney College.

​Thanks to Orkney College, University of the Highlands and Islands and local schools for their support at these inputs.