modern apprenticeships/skillseekers programmes
Skillseekers is a training programme which provides young people with the opportunity to gain nationally-recognised qualifications and experience in their chosen careers. The programme is aimed at those who want to develop skills and equip themselves for the world of work and is open to 16 - 19 year olds who have left school and are employed or else looking for a job.
Modern Apprenticeships offer an alternative programme. Modern Apprenticeships are aimed at those aged 16 or over, capable of achieving a Scottish Vocational Qualification at Level 3 and in a suitable job role. In some cases, people over the age of 20 may take part in the programme. To be eligible for the programme all trainees need to be employed and paid the going rate for the job. MAs are an exciting way of gaining skills and qualifications that will help to boost a career without having to study full-time, and are available across a wide range of industries.
Since different jobs require different level of skills and therefore training, the level of SVQ depends on the type of job a young person is doing. Typically, Skillseekers are learning skills at Level II and Modern Apprentices at Level III.
Scottish Vocational Qualifications are a measure of the skills and knowledge developed in carrying out work. Training will be provided in the workplace and the SVQ assessed either in the workplace by BC Consultants' assessors or at Borders College through part-time attendance. These vocational qualifications are recognised and accepted by industry throughout the country, and are awarded by SQA and City and Guilds.
Additionally, upon completion of the appropriate SVQ and relevant core skills, MAs will achieve a certificate to show they are qualified in their particular industry.
Each Skillseeker/Modern Apprentice will be issued with a flexible Individual Training Plan and a Training Consultant appointed to meet with him/her regularly to provide support, monitor progress and feedback to the employer.
Get Ready for Work, (the vocational strand), is also offered by BC Consultants; providing work experience opportunities for 16-19 year olds referred by Careers Scotland. It assists trainees in learning new skills and building confidence to enable them to progress into further training, college, or employment, whilst receiving a weekly training allowance.
Skill Seekers Team:
June McGuinness: Project Manager
Jim Anderson: Training Consultant
Joyce Wardhaugh: Training Consultant
Joyce Macvicar: Training Consultant
For further information on Skillseekers and Modern Apprentices see www.scottish-enterprise.com