Orkney's modern apprentices

Nicky Bichan, plumber
Work experience during time off from school exams convinced Nicky Bichan that plumbing was the trade for him. So he jumped at the chance when Steven R Paterson Ltd offered to take him on as a trainee. Two years into a Modern Apprenticeship through the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation (SNIPEF), he’s experienced jobs large and small. “Everything from changing a tap washer to helping to install the under floor heating system on a big commercial project,” 18-year-old Nicky says. The Kirkwall teenager enjoys the variety of work handled by the Hatston company – and the way he’s learning the trade on site and during classroom sessions at Inverness College.  "I'm earning a good wage and I've found a job that really suits me," he says. I'm not the sort of person who'd be any good in an office.  I’m a bit more practical than that – I would far rather be working with my hands.  With this job there’s always plenty to do – and lots of new things to learn."

Kerry Scott, graphic designer
After leaving school at 17, Kerry Scott tried everything from working on a ferry to training to be a tattooist before taking an art and design course at Orkney College.  “I was nearing the end of the course when one of my lecturers spotted an advert for a trainee graphic designer at the Orcadian – and thought I’d be well suited to it,” she says. “I’ve always been arty – so I was delighted when I ended up with the job.”

The Orcadian took Kerry on as a Modern Apprentice.  As well as gaining plenty of experience in the company’s graphic design department, she’s studied the skills involved at college in Glasgow and gained a Level 3 SVQ qualification, supported by the Scottish Print Employers Federation (SPEF).  “The hands on experience is the best part of the apprenticeship,” she says. “You’re working alongside people with loads of experience who’re always willing to give you a helping hand.”  As well as designing adverts, features and supplements in the paper itself, she’s worked on books, brochures, banners and business cards.  “I enjoy it – there’s something new every day,” adds 23-year-old Kerry, from St Margaret’s Hope.

Karen Scholes, accountant
Talk to Karen Scholes if you think accountancy is a profession with an image problem!  An accountant herself for 18 years, Karen delights in sharing her passion for the job with young people wondering what direction their careers should take.  “The days when accountancy meant little more than sitting behind a desk are long gone,” she says.  “This is a dynamic, fast moving profession with plenty of scope for interaction with clients from a wide variety of businesses." 

Looking to expand the team she employs at her Kirkwall practice, Karen decided to take on a trainee accountant as a Modern Apprentice.  But two of the candidates were so outstanding, that both were offered jobs.  “My vision for the firm is to have everyone properly trained and properly qualified,” she explains.  “That means we can offer our clients the highest level of service.  I’m delighted with the way our two trainees have fitted in – and how they’ve risen to the many challenges they’ve had to face.  I’d certainly consider taking on another Modern Apprentice the next time we need new staff."