Our excellent support to apprenticeships was recognised as we scooped the title of ‘Business Studies Apprentice Employer of the Year Award’ at a recent ceremony hosted by New College Lanarkshire (NCL).
The NCL Apprenticeship Awards ceremony honours the individuals and businesses making apprenticeships work across Lanarkshire.
These awards form part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2022, with eight Modern Apprentices and eight local employers receiving trophies in recognition of excelling in the course of their training, or support for apprenticeship programmes.
Picking up the award on behalf of the team was Carmen Girvan, Early Careers Supervisor. Carmen said: “It was great to be part of the NCL awards event and even better picking up an award for our work supporting apprenticeships within the council on their journey into work.
“As an Early Careers Supervisor, it’s our job to recruit and manage the Apprenticeship Programme and develop diverse pathways to further education and employment in line with our Workforce for the Future Strategy.
“The award recognises our commitment and drive to supporting and helping people across our local communities. And without our partners, NCL and the apprentices involved, we wouldn’t achieve this success. A huge well done to everyone.”
Our Early Careers team is responsible for the recruitment and management of the apprenticeship programme and provides support not only to each apprentice, but also to managers and mentors to ensure apprentices have a meaningful experience. The team currently has 55 apprentices for 2021-2022 and is now gearing up for its summer recruitment.
Before a varied public and professional career, Des Murray, Chief Executive of North Lanarkshire Council, started working life with local government on a Youth Training Scheme (YTS). He added: “Our lives are shaped by the decisions we make. In my experience, choosing an apprenticeship can transform your life. They provide opportunity, training, experience and reward effort. They enable choice and create prospects that can last a lifetime. If you see such an opportunity – take it, shape it and make it your own.”
New College Lanarkshire currently supports around 200 businesses in and around Lanarkshire with the training of almost 450 apprentices.