ScotRail is showing its support for Scottish Apprenticeship Week by announcing more apprenticeship opportunities for young people in Scotland and championing the achievements of those already on an early careers’ pathway within the train operator.
New apprenticeships will be created to provide valuable employment and training for young people across Scotland, with positions available in sectors ranging from engineering and administration to customer service.
Apprenticeships can last up to five years with ScotRail, many of which include time to attend college or university.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week, which runs from 4 to 8 March, recognises the contribution of apprenticeships to individuals, employers, and the wider Scottish economy.
ScotRail has now announced further investment in apprenticeships which can help shape the future skills base of the workforce, and provide young people with the opportunity to gain valuable experience and education to kick-start their careers.
The new recruits will join the company alongside existing apprentices, many of whom are currently on their programme towards a full-time career at ScotRail.
Blyth recently joined ScotRail as an apprentice engineer at Haymarket depot. She said:
“I joined ScotRail when I was 16, and it’s such a great company to work for.
“As an apprentice, I can attend further education and receive training to become an engineer.
“At first, it’s hard to grasp that you’ll be one of a few females working in the depot, but ScotRail is very welcoming.
“The men and women I work with are very helpful, non-judgemental, and I know I will be supported and accepted no matter my gender.
“I think ScotRail is a great place to work, it’s really friendly, and it’s a job for life.”
Ryan is a first-year finance graduate apprentice working at ScotRail’s Head Office. He said:
“ScotRail is a huge company with a very good reputation, so when I saw they were offering apprenticeships it was an opportunity I really couldn’t refuse.
“Being a finance graduate apprentice means you work in the Head Office, and you also go to university.
“After completing my degree at Robert Gordon University, I hope to complete my professional ICAS qualification to become a chartered accountant. So there’s a clear pathway for my role at ScotRail.
“What’s good about being an apprentice is that you’re working with such a knowledgeable team who are always there to help. Being alongside them definitely develops your knowledge of the whole business of finance, which you wouldn’t get when you’re at university.
“If you’re thinking about taking an apprenticeship with ScotRail, I would say definitely go for it.”
Corey is a second-year engineering apprentice with ScotRail. He said:
“With the four-year apprenticeship programme at ScotRail, you get the freedom to try different things, see what you enjoy, and decide where you want your career to go.
“An apprenticeship with ScotRail allows you to combine practical work experience and attend college through day release for the theory.
“You can gain so many skills, experiences, meet new people and just see what ScotRail is about.
“Anyone thinking about an apprenticeship with ScotRail, I would say just go for it.
“I’m loving it, all the people at ScotRail make you feel so welcome, it’s been excellent.”
Julie Dale, ScotRail HR Director, said:
“An apprenticeship is a great way to access a career within ScotRail, and we’re proud to be supporting Scottish Apprenticeship Week, helping to deliver more opportunities across the business.
“Apprenticeships can have a significant impact on the organisation, helping to tackle skills shortages, and shaping the future workforce.
“Supporting apprenticeships can also have a positive impact of on the broader economy, increasing opportunities for young people and reducing the likelihood of unemployment on leaving education.
“ScotRail is extremely proud of our apprentices, and we are delighted to provide them with a valuable platform to start their career.
“We will continue to invest in our people and give them the best opportunity to make a positive impact in their chosen profession.”