Introduction
Skillseekers and Modern Apprenticeships are a practical way to make the most of young people's potential, through a structured training programme aimed at equipping them to do a job. The programme is immensely varied in scope and offers young people a useful way into almost any vocation-based career, whether they are interested in office work or bricklaying, hotel work or engineering, retailing or fishing.
Who can apply?
Skillseekers aims to recruit young people into the workforce. It is open to school leavers aged 16 to 21 (up to 24 for those with additional support needs), who would be aiming to achieve a Scottish Vocational Qualification at Level 2.
Modern Apprenticeships aim to recruit technicians and supervisors of the future. It is open to school leavers aged 16 and above who would be aiming to achieve a Scottish Vocational Qualification at Level 3 or above. There is no upper age limit on Modern Apprenticeships.
What training is available?
Training is geared towards the achievement of nationally recognised vocational qualifications - set by employers and tailored to their needs, and is available in most kinds of occupations from 'Welding' to 'Care'. Vocational qualifications prove that a young person has acquired the skills and knowledge to perform the fundamental elements of a job, which makes them more valuable in today's increasingly competitive labour market. Training may not always be delivered locally.
Skillseekers are employed from day one and can train in a whole range of occupations, aimed at achieving a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) at Level 2, or other equivalent national qualification. Almost all Skillseekers are employed and your pay is the going rate for the job.
Modern Apprentices are employed from day one and can train in a whole range of occupations at craft, technician and even trainee management level. There is a structured framework for training, designed by industry to meet the growing demand for a more skilled employee. All Modern Apprentices are employed and your pay is the going rate for the job.
The local Careers Scotland centre can provide you with information, advice and guidance on your particular career choice.
What assistance is available?
The direct costs of training as part of the Skillseeker and Modern Apprenticeship programmes are fully funded in most instances, by HIE Shetland. Additional support towards the cost of travel and lodgings may also be available for employees who are attending college.
For Modern Apprentices over the age of 25, the direct cost of training may be part funded by Shetland Enterprise, depending on the qualification undertaken. Particular importance is given to training related to managerial skills and in skills shortage areas.
What do I do now?
Contact us with details of your enquiry.
Marie Robertson
Development Manager
HIE Shetland
01595 746810
Careers Scotland - Lerwick Office
01595 695791
Additional information
Careers Scotland - browse the website
Modern Apprenticeships - provides an indepth e-guide to Modern Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeship Database - provides a summary of the content and main features of every modern apprenticeship currently available in Scotland.
Get Ready for Work - an individually tailored programme which will respond to the needs of individual young people who require support to make the transition from school to further education, training or employment easier and more successful.
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