On 31 March Ayrshire College Principal, Heather Dunk spoke at the national summit of the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce (aka the Wood Commission). She described how the College is bringing employers and education together to make sure that the skills young people leave college with are those that industry needs.

Not surprisingly, apprenticeships featured prominently at the summit. Even before the final report of the Wood Commission was published, the Scottish Government announced increasing annual targets for apprenticeship starts year on year to 30,000 by 2020.

During her presentation Heather played a video showing how micro, small, medium and large companies in Ayrshire are working with the College to develop their employees through apprenticeships. Each of the businesses in this video believe in the importance of staff achieving vocational qualifications through a combination of college based learning and on-the-job experience. The young people in this video demonstrate why apprenticeships are so important to them.

James – Apprentice at GSK, Irvine

James wanted to study a science higher education qualification when he left school. After ruling out university, he decided to embark on a science course at college. When he saw an advert for a process chemistry apprenticeship at Glaxo SmithKline, he applied and is now combining study for an HNC Applied Science at the College with work-based learning at the company.

Shaun – Apprentice at Dustacco Engineering in Newmilns

Shaun knew at school that he wanted to work in a job related to engineering and went to college to study a Level 2 qualification. In his second year at college he chose to specialise in welding and secured a month-long work experience placement with Dustacco Engineering, who then offered him an apprenticeship.

Lesley – Owner of Lesley McDonald Hair & Beauty, Troon

Lesley achieved a clutch of Highers at school and was encouraged to go to university. However, she wanted to be a hairdresser and chose to follow her ambitions. In 2010, at just 22 years old, Lesley set up her own company and four years on she now employs six staff. A firm believer in balancing college learning with experience in the workplace, two of her employees are undertaking qualifications at Ayrshire College. Practising what she believes in, Lesley is studying an HNC to develop her own skills.

Want to hear more from James, Lesley and Shaun?

Find out more about these young people’s experiences via Ayrshire College’s YouTube channel http://www1.ayrshire.ac.uk. For other examples of apprentices supported by the College read http://www1.ayrshire.ac.uk/assets/0001/1707/Ayrshire_College_News_February_2014.pdf.

Scottish Apprenticeship Week 19-23 May 2014

In 2014-15 Ayrshire College will support up to 900 Modern Apprentices continue or start their training with employers in sectors like engineering, hospitality, construction, care, hairdressing and motor vehicle maintenance. The College will highlight many case studies during Scottish Apprenticeship Week, so follow the College on twitter @AyrshireColl for lots of great stories, videos and events.

Scottish Apprenticeship Week helps showcase the value that apprentices add to businesses. It shows young people, and those who influence their choices, that apprenticeships make good career choices. Find out more about the week and get involved http://www.ourskillsforce.co.uk/modern-apprenticeships/scottish-apprenticeship-week/.