Success for Highland apprentice Amy, during Covid–19 pandemic
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Highland Council took the opportunity of Scottish Apprenticeship Week to highlight the value apprenticeships offer the individual, employers and the Highland community.
Amy Riddle, a business administration apprentice with Highland Council’s economy and regeneration team, has been an exceptional ambassador for the Modern Apprenticeship Programme (MAP) during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ms Riddle studied Higher business management in sixth year at school and really enjoyed the subject.
The apprenticeship programme appealed to her as it offered the opportunity to combine working towards a qualification whilst gaining work experience.
Miss Riddle said: “I am working towards an SVQ Level 3 in business and administration. This qualification comprises of nine units and core skills which involves continues assessment.
"I’ve found my assessor extremely supportive and helpful. Before the pandemic, I would be observed carrying out tasks in the office as part of the assessment process, but we’ve adapted to online assessment for now.”
“The pandemic has had a major impact on my job role but has also offered a pathway to new opportunities and career progression. I am currently working to deliver the Covid–19 business grants.
"My main tasks include managing the grants email inbox and replying to enquiries from members of the public.
"I am also responsible for supporting the wider team who are carrying out the day-to-day processing of the grants and answering any queries.
"In addition, I organise webinars for Business Gateway which are intended to help businesses develop and upskill their digital knowledge."
She continued: "Before the pandemic, I worked in various offices throughout the week.
"Working between Highland Council Headquarters, its Dingwall office and the Business Gateway office in Inverness. I liked the diversity of the roles as it allowed the opportunity to work with different colleagues.
"During this time, I completed a range of administrative tasks for the council’s Employability Service and Business Gateway team. I highly recommend the programme and would encourage anyone to consider new career pathways.”
Chairwoman of the Highland Council’s economy and infrastructure committee, Cllr Trish Robertson said: “Amy really deserves recognition for all her hard work but also her forward thinking and positive professional attitude and enthusiasm to learn and adapt during the pandemic.
"She is a real asset and the council are fortunate to have her as part of the team, I wish Amy every success as she continues with her career. It is encouraging but vitally important that opportunities for Highland young people like Amy can be offered the chance to thrive and make a valuable contribution to the work of the council as they carve out careers in their communities.
"The role the council plays to support all of our trainees and apprentices is to be applauded and everyone involved thanked for all their great work.”
Highland Council has seen more than 270 employees enrol in the Modern Apprenticeship Programme; they include a combination of apprentices from those upskilling their existing skills within their role as council employees to new recruits joining the council.
21 employees are currently working through the Graduate Apprenticeship programme over four different frameworks: construction in the built environment, civil engineering, IT for business management and engineering and design and manufacture.
The Modern Apprenticeship (MA) programme consists of 14 frameworks: business and administration, social services (CYP), construction – technical, IT and telecommunications, electrical installation, domestic plumbing and heating, automotive, project management, construction - civil engineering, social services and healthcare, construction – technical, construction - building, housing and freight logistics.
Highland Council have facilitated many opportunities both for new employees and existing staff and plan to grow the portfolio of apprenticeships. Creating opportunities and growth for the Highland region workforce and economy.
The Modern Apprenticeship Programme is suitable for people of all ages 16 - 67years old.
Highland Council apprenticeship opportunities are advertised throughout the year with apprenticeships starting from £9.34 per hour including a great benefits package.
My Job Scotland advertises apprentice posts throughout the year.
