Moray Council and Highland Learning Academy launch new apprenticeship opportunities
A new partnership between Moray Council and Highland Learning Academy (HLA) is giving senior pupils across Moray more opportunities to gain valuable skills and workplace experience alongside their school studies.
This session, 36 S5 and S6 pupils across Moray secondary schools will take part in SCQF level six Foundation Apprenticeships in Business Skills and Creative and Digital Media.
The programme combines learning delivered by HLA tutors with work placements, giving pupils the chance to build practical experience, develop new skills and gain a nationally recognised qualification while still at school.
Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Moray has supported the programme by helping to source work placements with local employers.
The programme has also received support from SSEN Transmission, which has funded laptops to help deliver the Foundation Apprenticeships in schools. The equipment will support pupils taking part this year and help the council grow its Foundation Apprenticeship offer across Moray schools in future.
Councillor Kathleen Robertson, Chair of Moray Council’s Education, Children’s and Leisure Services Committee, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Highland Learning Academy to give young people across Moray the chance to take part in Foundation Apprenticeships in Business Skills and Creative and Digital Media.
“It’s great to see thirty-six S6 pupils taking part in the first year and getting the opportunity to combine their school studies with valuable workplace experience. It’s a really positive way for young people to build their confidence, develop practical skills and prepare for their next steps.
“We’re also very grateful to SSEN Transmission for funding laptops to support delivery in our schools. This will benefit pupils taking part this year and help us develop the Foundation Apprenticeship offer across Moray in the future.”
Cath Sutherland, Managing Director, Highland Learning Academy, commented: “This partnership with Moray Council is a fantastic opportunity to open up high-quality, work-relevant qualifications to even more young people. Foundation Apprenticeships give pupils a genuine head start, real skills, real workplace experience, and a qualification that means something to employers. We can't wait to get started with all seven schools next week, and we're hugely grateful to SSEN Transmission for their support in making this happen.”
Karen Rait, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at SSEN Transmission, said: “We're pleased to support Moray Council and Highland Learning Academy by funding laptops that will help young people make the most of these Foundation Apprenticeship opportunities.
“Developing the skills and talent needed for the future is important to us, and we hope this equipment will help pupils gain valuable knowledge, experience and confidence as they take their next steps in education and employment.”
The programme gets underway as pupils return for the new school term, with HLA tutors working with pupils across all participating schools throughout the year.