Moray Council celebrates Scottish Apprenticeship Week
Current and former apprentices at Moray Council are sharing how the opportunity has transformed their lives, to mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week (2-6 March 2026).
The nationwide celebration highlights the value of apprenticeships, shining a spotlight on the benefit they bring to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
Moray Council offers apprenticeships across a wide range of services, including in Early Years, plumbing, joinery and electrical work.
Many Modern Apprentices complete their training and progress into permanent roles within the organisation, building long-term careers in Moray.
Aiden Sutherland from Buckie is in the third year of his apprenticeship as a mechanic.
He said: “So many people leave school thinking that university is the only option. It’s not – an apprenticeship can be just as life-changing, it’s certainly changed mine.
“I’ve been here for three years now, and I’ve loved every minute of it. We have a fantastic team and everyone is always happy to share their knowledge. I’ve learned so much from being here.”
Lennox Fox – a first year apprentice mechanic from Burghead - agreed: “Moray Council is a brilliant place to have an apprenticeship. It’s a great work environment and the benefits and learning you get from being here are second to none. From speaking to others, I can see that you get very well looked after no matter what your apprenticeship is.”
20-year-old Sadie Merrin from Elgin has just finished her apprenticeship in Early Learning and Childcare.
She said: “You get a lot of hands-on experience by doing an apprenticeship, which is very helpful. The support I’ve been given from the team I work with has been excellent, and they’re all fantastic people.”
Abbie Johnson became a Building Services Scheduler at Moray Council, on the back of an office apprenticeship between 2018 and 2021.
She said: “I applied for the apprenticeship because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after leaving school – I knew I didn’t want to go to university, but really, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. When I saw the apprenticeship advertised, it sounded appealing.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect though – but as it turned out, I really enjoyed it. I became more confident through the apprenticeship and built skills that prepared me for what I do now. I would highly recommend an apprenticeship – it’s a great way to build a career.”
Moray Council Leader Cllr Kathleen Robertson said: “Scottish Apprenticeship Week highlights the vital role apprentices play in shaping our future workforce.
“At Moray Council, we are proud to support people at the start of their careers, offering opportunities that develop practical skills, encourage progression and help create sustainable, fulfilling futures.”