Success for Highland Apprentice during COVID-19 pandemic

Amy Riddle is a business administration apprentice with The Highland Council’s Economy and Regeneration team and has been an exceptional ambassador for the Modern Apprenticeship Programme (MAP) during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Amy studied Higher Business Management in sixth year at school and really enjoyed the subject. The apprenticeship programme appealed to Amy as it offered the opportunity to combine working towards a qualification whilst gaining work experience. Amy was also confident that The Highland Council would provide first class training and progressive pathways. Furthermore, the apprenticeship was part of the Economy and Regeneration team and Amy was keen to make a positive contribution to improving the local community. The Highland Council offer an attractive salary package as they are a Living Wage Employer – which was another reason Amy was drawn to an apprenticeship, as it offered the opportunity to earn whilst gaining her apprenticeship.

Amy Riddle said: “I am working towards an SVQ Level 3 in Business and Administration. This qualification comprises of 9 units and Core Skills which involves continues assessment. I’ve found my assessor extremely supportive and helpful. Before the pandemic, I would be observed carrying out tasks in the office as part of the assessment process, but we’ve adapted to online assessment for now.”

“The pandemic has had a major impact on my job role but has also offered a pathway to new opportunities and career progression. I am currently working to deliver the COVID-19 Business Grants. My main tasks include managing the grants email inbox and replying to enquiries from members of the public. I am also responsible for supporting the wider team who are carrying out the day-to-day processing of the grants and answering any queries. In addition, I organise webinars for Business Gateway which are intended to help businesses develop and upskill their digital knowledge.  

Before the pandemic, I worked in various offices throughout the week. Working between Highland Council Headquarters, HC’s Dingwall office and the Business Gateway office in Inverness. I liked the diversity of the roles as it allowed the opportunity to work with different colleagues. During this time, I completed a range of administrative tasks for the Council’s Employability Service and Business Gateway team. I highly recommend the programme and would encourage anyone to consider new career pathways.”

Chair of the Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Trish Robertson said: “Amy really deserves recognition for all her hard work but also her forward thinking and positive professional attitude and enthusiasm to learn and adapt during the pandemic.  She is a real asset and the Council are fortunate to have her as part of the team, I wish Amy every success as she continues with her career. It is encouraging but vitally important that opportunities for Highland young people like Amy can be offered the chance to thrive and make a valuable contribution to the work of the Council as they carve out careers in their communities.  The role the council plays to support all of our trainees and apprentices is to be applauded and everyone involved thanked for all their great work.”

Highland Council have seen over 270 employees enrol in the Modern Apprenticeship Programme; they include a combination of apprentices from those upskilling their existing skills within their role as Highland Council employees to new recruits joining The Highland Council.  21 employees are currently working through the Graduate Apprenticeship programme over 4 different frameworks: Construction in the Built Environment, Civil Engineering, IT for Business Management and Engineering and Design & Manufacture.

The Modern Apprenticeship programme(MA) consists of 14 frameworks: Business & Administration, Social Services (CYP), Construction – Technical, IT & Telecommunications, Electrical Installation, Domestic Plumbing and Heating, Automotive, Project Management, Construction - Civil Engineering, Social Services & Healthcare, Construction – Technical, Construction - Building, Housing and Freight Logistics.

Highland Council have facilitated many opportunities both for new employees and existing staff and plan to grow the portfolio of apprenticeships. Creating opportunities and growth for the Highland Region workforce and economy. The Modern Apprenticeship Programme is suitable for people of all ages 16 - 67yrs old.

Highland Council apprenticeship opportunities are advertised throughout the year with apprenticeships starting from £9.34 per hour (LWS) including a great benefits package. My Job Scotland advertises all our apprentice posts, throughout the year.

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