With Scottish Apprenticeship Week running from 3rd to 7th March 2025, the College is shining a spotlight on the transformative impact of apprenticeships in shaping a skilled and dynamic workforce.
Pauline Robertson, Skills Programme Manager at West College Scotland, emphasises the significance of Modern Apprenticeships in today’s economy:
“Employers who invest in apprenticeships are not only strengthening their own workforce but also contributing to the broader economy. By offering apprenticeships, businesses can develop talent from within and ensure they have the skills necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace”.
The College collaborates with some of the UK’s largest employers on their apprenticeship programmes, including NHS, James Frew Ltd, Babcock International, BAE Systems, and numerous other local and national businesses.
James Mayne, Training Manager at Roche Diagnostics shared his support of the MA framework saying, “The programme has ensured that our critical engineering support roles can quickly be filled with fully skilled service people, who understand the organisation and culture.”
Beyond Modern Apprenticeships, West College Scotland plays a crucial role in preparing young people for the workforce through its Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) programme. Working in partnership with 9 schools across Inverclyde and Renfrewshire, the College provides local pupils with their first step into a career, allowing them to gain work experience and develop vital skills while still in school.
Sharron Rodger, School Relationships Manager, highlights the benefits of the FA programme for businesses and learners alike:
“Foundation Apprenticeships provide young people with an invaluable head start in their careers, giving them hands-on experience in real working environments. Employers who support these apprenticeships are helping to shape the workforce of tomorrow while gaining fresh perspectives and enthusiasm within their teams”.
Scottish Apprenticeships are designed for everyone, regardless of age or background, and are suitable for businesses of all sizes and sectors. The Scottish Government recognises that a trained and motivated workforce is essential to economic success, and apprenticeships are at the heart of building Scotland’s future talent pool.
By supporting apprenticeships, employers can unlock critical economic opportunities and ensure they have the skills needed to meet both current and future demands. West College Scotland is proud to champion apprenticeships as a key driver of business growth and workforce development.
