Local Outcome 2: Developing our workforce by providing career opportunities for local young people

Since 2013, the Council's Modern Apprenticeship Programme and Graduate+ Programme has been available to local young people*, offering them a path into the career of their choice.

To date, almost 120 have been part of these Programme where they are equipped with knowledge and skills for learning, life and work. Sadly, like so much of life, both Programmes were paused as a result of the pandemic with no new recruits in 2020.

Over the years, the Council's workforce has been enriched by the candidates who have come through this route with more than half of them securing full-time jobs across a number of services.

For this case study we spoke to Ross and Emma, two such success stories.

A former Bishopbriggs Academy student, Ross began a Digital Marketing Apprenticeship in 2017 and now works as a Digital Assistant in the Communications Team.

He described his apprenticeship as "the best thing I could have done for my career". He said, "I applied for the Council programme after completing an HND and finding it hard to get a job without experience. Joining the apprenticeship programme was the boost my career and my self-esteem needed. It allowed me to gain valuable experience and I have learned loads of new skills on the job, which have prepared me for my current role. I hope to go on to have a successful career in this field."

Emma from Twechar has been part of the Council's Customers Services Team since 2015, getting her start through an apprenticeship she applied for while at Kirkintilloch High School.

She said, "I didn't know what I wanted to do after school but I was certain that I didn't want to go to college or university. When I saw the Apprenticeship advertised, I knew that it was something I wanted to do. I've worked in different areas of Customer Service and this experience helped me complete and obtain my SVQ Level 3 award in Customer Service.

"The job can be challenging but very rewarding. Helping people gives me immense job satisfaction as I am keen to try and make a difference. I'm so glad I chose the path I did as it has allowed me to develop new and existing skills and also meet many amazing people.”

Depute Chief Executive, Ann Davie, said, "Sadly, the pandemic meant that our popular early career programme had an enforced break but we aim to recruit again once it is safe to do so. Bringing young people into the Council is such an important part of our workforce planning and I'm delighted that so many of them stay with us.

"Emma and Ross are proof that if you are willing to work hard, study hard and learn from the experienced team around you, then an apprenticeship is a solid start to a career. Both have done so well and have become much valued members of their teams."

Employers interested in starting a Modern Apprenticeship Programme should visit the apprenticeships.scot website.

*Modern Apprenticeships are open to those aged between 16-24 with the Grad+ Programme offering opportunities to local Graduates aged 25 or under.