Five Orcadians have provided an insider's guide to the modern way of gaining a well-qualified career.

They give a personal account of their experiences in a new booklet that highlights the benefits of learning while you work.

The publication is billed as a rough guide to Modern Apprenticeships - described as an exciting way to gain skills and qualifications for employees in a wide range of trades and professions.

Among them was Paul Fraser, a trainee with Stenness-based Linklater Engineering.  A Saturday job with the agricultural machinery specialists led to the offer of a four-year apprenticeship.

Paul's training combines on-the-job experience in the company's busy workshop with regular visits to Warwickshire College and Massey Ferguson's national training centre.

Paul said: "This is the ideal job for me, doing something that I have always found interesting."

In her late 20s, Tara Harvey decided it was time to extend her hairdressing skills and, after 10 years in the profession, found becoming a Modern Apprentice a rewarding experience.

She gained a level three Scottish Vocational Qualification in hairdressing - and a big boost to her confidence.

"I learnt a lot and I certainly feel that I am a better hairdresser as a result." said Tara, a colourist and stylist at the Head West salon, Dounby.

Paddy Highley feels he has not looked back since he was offered a Modern Apprenticeship with Kirkwall-based plumbing and heating engineers Steven R Paterson Ltd.

He said: "Plumbing involves a huge amount of variety, no day is the same.  It is great to find a job you really enjoy that should lead to a well paid career."

Orkney Enterprise development manager Doreen Rendall said the new guide would hopefully encourage others to consider Modern Apprenticeships as an important step on the ladder leading to a wealth of career opportunities.

She said: "There was a very positive reaction from the Modern Apprentices we interviewed while putting together the booklet.  It was obvious they valued the opportunity to gain training, qualifications and paid employment.
"There are nearly 200 people employed as Modern Apprentices in Orkney.  They work in a wide range of industries as crafts-people, technicians and managers.  Some go on to university and others now run their own businesses.  There are lots of success stories."

Alastair MacLeod, a senior careers adviser with Careers Scotland, welcomed the guide as a good way to help people in Orkney make an informed decision about the Modern Apprenticeship system.

"It will be of value to young people and their parents as well as those who might be looking for a change of career," he said.

"Modern Apprenticeships are well worth considering as a way to gain training and valuable work-based qualifications while earning a living  For employers, too, they are a good and flexible way to cultivate the skills and confidence of their workforce."

The booklet - Real Careers, Real Qualifications - is available from Orkney Enterprise, 14 Queen Street, Kirkwall, from Careers Scotland, 2 Albert Street, Kirkwall, and from training providers.