Lochaber teenager Grant Boyd is looking forward to next year when he completes his four-year Modern Apprenticeship (MA) and becomes a qualified plumber/heating engineer.

During his apprenticeship, the 19-year-old excelled both at college and on-the-job and with his newly acquired skills should have no difficulty finding employment in a sector where there is great demand both now and in the foreseeable future.

Grant, who lives just outside Fort William, is one of hundreds of Scottish youngsters to have benefited from the groundbreaking Modern Apprentice scheme since it was first set up in 1994. Local enterprise companies got together with employers and training organisations to develop the MA programme. The initiative received support from the Confederation of Business and Industry and the Trade Union Congress.

Its aim was to strengthen the training system in Scotland and create a high-calibre work force by offering people aged over 16 the chance of paid employment and the opportunity to train for jobs at the same time. All the Modern Apprenticeship frameworks are developed by the industry or sector in which they will be implemented and therefore encompass all the skills needed.

As a pupil at Lochaber High School, Grant always knew he wanted a trade, although he was uncertain whether to opt for plumbing or electrical work. The decision was made for him when he received the offer of a Modern Apprenticeship in plumbing/heating engineering from Corrie Plumbing and Heating, a firm with offices in his home town.

Grant said: "When I turned 16, I went to Corrie and asked for a job. I never got it at that point, but I knew it was what I wanted and I decided to persevere. I asked again and they gave me as start. I didn't set out to be a plumber - it was either that or an electrician. But I'm delighted at the way things have worked out and consider myself to be very lucky."

Corrie Plumbing and Heating is a division of the Corrie Group which in turn comes under the umbrella of Tulloch Ltd. The Tulloch Group is a keen supporter of the Modern Apprenticeship programme with around 180 apprentices employed throughout its divisions and a £1 million investment in training and development.

Before he was taken on as a Modern Apprentice, Grant had to undertake an appropriate initial assessment test, approved by the industry, to assess his ability to achieve an MA. He was tested on his reading, mathematical and comprehension skills as well as understanding of basic engineering. Candidates have to achieve a pass mark of 60 per cent before they can be considered for a plumbing apprenticeship. Apprentices are also required to have a minimum of four Standard Grades at General or Credit Level.

He is now about to embark on the fourth an final year of his apprenticeship and will spend it entirely on-the-job. Over the last three years he attended Inverness College UHI's School of Construction on a block release basis in order to study towards a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SQV) Level III. Apprentices are required to spend around 20 weeks in college during their first year and second years and ten weeks in their third year.

Grant stayed in digs in the city and excelled at college, achieving the highest marks in his class during his first and third years and winning a college award two years in succession. In addition he won the Crystal Plumber of the Year Award 2006 in Tulloch's annual apprentice awards. He gained his Corgi Gas Certificate in February of this year.

Grant, who works all over Scotland with Corrie Plumbing, said: "I finished college in January and am just going into my last year of my apprenticeship. I'm at the stage now that I'm really looking forward to finishing but it's been a great experience. The apprenticeship allowed me to earn while I trained and the on-the-job experience made it easier for me to apply the learning to the job."

Manager of the Fort William branch of Corrie Plumbing, Neil Worsdall believes the combination of formal study and on-the-job training allowed Grant to quickly become a valuable addition to the team. He said: "Grant has always shown great enthusiasm and produced a very high standard of workmanship in all aspects of his apprenticeship which has gained him respect from his employers, fellow workmates and clients."

Skills development manager with HIE Lochaber, Tina Davenport is delighted to hear of Grant's success and believes he is a good example of how the Modern Apprentice programme, which is supported throughout the HIE network, benefits both young people and employers in Scotland.  She said: "Through the Modern Apprenticeship scheme youngsters like Grant are given a training both at college and at work and employers are getting a skilled and flexible workforce."

Further information on the Modern Apprentice Programme is available at www.hie.co.uk/modern_apprenticeships.htm