Read Abbie's full story

Why I chose a Modern Apprenticeship 

"I chose a Modern Apprenticeship as I wanted to learn by doing. I liked the idea of learning in a real work environment, learning valuable skills whilst gaining an industry-recognised qualification." 

What the apprenticeship involves 

"My apprenticeship involved gaining experience working full-time in a fast-paced office environment whilst also working towards gaining an SVQ in Business and Administration. I had to complete eight units in total, which taught me how to balance learning with work. I found it worked best for me to complete my college work when I had slightly quieter periods at work or by designating time at the beginning of the week." 

Building Confidence and Skills 

"I gained technical knowledge such as learning company processes, using software, and maintaining records. The most valuable to me were the personal skills. When I started, I wasn't as confident and would question myself a lot. With support from my colleagues and UHI assessor, I became more independent and confident in the work I was producing. I am now confident that I can complete work to the required standard." 

The Most Rewarding Part 

"The most rewarding part was seeing my skills progress and knowing I can apply them to day-to-day activities and contribute to the team. Seeing the feedback on progress reports from my assessor and employer was always rewarding, as others were noticing my progress." 

Future Plans 

"I have now completed my Modern Apprenticeship and am in full-time employment at Gows Lybster as an Administrator / Document Controller. I hope to continue to learn new skills and progress further academically whilst still working in an administrative role." 

My Advice 

"I would definitely recommend a Modern Apprenticeship to anyone considering it. I have learnt so much - a variety of new skills whilst gaining a recognised qualification. I will always value the experience I have been given." 

Read Andrew's full story

Why I chose a Modern Apprenticeship 

"It was a course option through my employment to help further my progression." 

What the apprenticeship involves 

"As a farm technician on a freshwater salmon farm, I carry out daily husbandry to ensure that both fish welfare and biosecurity are of the highest standard. This includes general upkeep and maintenance of the boats, pens, and warehouse, net installation and cleaning, working the feed system, and recording and logging information onto Aquafarmer. 

Balancing work with learning varied with the seasons. When we were fallow (site empty), I was allowed to have set days for learning. This helped me progress through the units at a faster and more consistent pace." 

Skills and Technical Growth 

"I feel that fish health is where I really learned a lot, as it was easily my weakest point. I also think that I improved quite a bit with my technical skills and have become more hands-on in this aspect." 

The Most Rewarding Part 

"Just getting that recognition that I have learned and improved on all aspects within the industry. It gives me more pride to have this qualification in what I do for a living." 

Future Plans 

"I am due to start my Level 3 shortly with the aim to progress through the ranks with MOWI." 

My Advice 

"Go in with an open mind; you'll learn more than you would expect. It is very handy dealing with someone outside of your own sites and perhaps seeing things from a different perspective. I do feel like I have proved to myself that I can and do want to progress within the industry." 

Read Caitlin's full story

Why I chose a Modern Apprenticeship 

"I felt this route suited me better as I’m a very hands-on person. I learn better by doing rather than reading." 

What the apprenticeship involves 

"I work alongside veterinary professionals within the veterinary setting, where I complete many different tasks whilst being observed by my clinical coach in practice." 

Skills and Growth 

"Teamwork is a huge part of the profession, while also being able to work independently at times. A large part of veterinary nursing involves communicating between team members and talking to clients, so excellent people skills and communication skills are required. Numeracy also plays a large part in drug calculations; to begin with, I found this hard, however, I am now confident in this area." 

The Most Rewarding Part 

"Making lifelong friends with college classmates and colleagues alike. Being able to learn my chosen profession in “real life” rather than through a book." 

Future Plans 

"Work hard!" 

My Advice 

"I would highly recommend it to anyone who shares the same work ethic and learning type as me." 

Read Chloe's full story

Why I chose a Modern Apprenticeship 

"I chose to do a modern apprenticeship as it allowed me to do hands on experience while learning at the same time. I also have the opportunity to earn money while learning and doing something I enjoy. I also have a clear career path ahead of me as I learn all the skills for my line of work along with learning theory work in the college alongside." 

What the apprenticeship involves 

"My apprenticeship involves learning how to use manual lathe and mills and gain valuable engineering work too. I work on CNC machines and make the metal casings for underwater cameras. This allows me to be using hand tools, precise measuring equipment and reading drawings as part of my job. I balance my work with learning as I work three days a week and am at college the other two." 

Skills and Precision 

"I have gained a variety of skills since starting my apprenticeship which involves learning how to operate machines and learn more about the engineering world. I have also gained skills on how to code the machines and am continuing to learn more about it each day. The most valuable skill I have learned is precision; with CNC machining the smallest mistake can lead to a part being out of tolerance and then leading to wasted material, so I always have to pay attention to detail." 

The Most Rewarding Part 

"The most rewarding parts about my apprenticeship are when I get big and sometimes challenging jobs completed. This helps me realize that I have gained so much experience and skills since starting my job just over a year and a half ago. I also find it very rewarding when I pass my college qualifications as it shows the work that I have done pays off." 

Future Plans 

"After completing my 4 year apprenticeship I hope to continue being a mechanical engineer. I enjoy working on CNC machines and I see them being a way forward in the engineering world. I am willing to keep learning and gain even more skills within the company and have a long term career out of what I do." 

My Advice 

"I would say that if you are thinking about doing a modern apprenticeship then 100% go for it. It was the best choice I have made within my studies. Although you need to work hard and balance the working life with studies, it is such a rewarding thing when you are getting qualifications on something you enjoy while earning a wage." 

Read Roni's full story

Why I chose a Modern Apprenticeship

"I have always wished to be a hairstylist and started in the salon on a Saturday when at school. The Modern Apprenticeship was a sound next step and way forward for me."

What the apprenticeship involves

"My week is split between two days in college and four days on the shop floor at Hair at 21. I am learning within the salon environment and working with the team to gain practical experience, including important client engagement. I feel like a true member of the styling team and enjoy providing support at all times."

Valuable Skills and Experience

"Everything that I have learned is valuable and relevant to a hair styling position. The real headline for me is the hands-on experience that I get in the salon with my clients."

The Most Rewarding Part

"I get a real buzz when a client is clearly happy and uplifted by the result of my work."

Future Plans

"I am looking forward to continuing to develop with Ros and the team at Hair at 21. My immediate focus is on completing my apprenticeship and achieving a hair stylist position in the shop."

My Advice

"I would definitely recommend the combined college and in-salon practical approach. I really appreciate the opportunity to learn and work with the college and the team at Hair at 21, and I look forward to continuing to develop in my chosen profession."

Read Kieran's full story

Why I chose a Modern Apprenticeship 

"I picked a modern apprenticeship because it suits how I learn. I like to be hands-on and getting real experience, not just theory. It means I can work, earn, and learn at the same time, which made more sense for me." 

What the apprenticeship involves 

"As an apprentice mechanical technician, my role involves working alongside experienced technicians and learning how to machine components to the required specification using CNC milling machines, CNC lathes, and manual machines. I get hands-on experience using different tools, reading technical drawings, coding machines, and following safety procedures. Alongside the practical work, I complete training assessments to build my technical knowledge and gain my qualification." 

Skills and Problem Solving 

"I've gained skills in setting up and running CNC machines, reading engineering drawings, and measuring parts accurately using tools like verniers and micrometres to ensure everything meets the correct tolerances. I think the most valuable skills I've gained are attention to detail and problem-solving. Running CNC machines requires precision, as even small mistakes can affect the final product. I've also learnt how to troubleshoot issues, like adjusting offsets or spotting when something isn't running right. That's helped me become more confident and independent in my work." 

The Most Rewarding Part 

"The most rewarding part has been seeing a finished part come out of the CNC machine that I have set up and run myself. Knowing that I've followed the drawings correctly, set up the machine properly, and produced something accurate within tolerance gives me a real sense of achievement." 

Future Plans 

"After completing my apprenticeship, I plan to continue developing my skills as a mechanical technician, especially in CNC machining. I want to gain more experience, become fully confident in setting up and programming machines independently, and keep improving my knowledge so I can take on more complex and challenging work." 

My Advice 

"My advice would be to go for it if you prefer learning by doing hands-on and practical things. It's a good way to earn money, gain qualifications, and build experience at the same time. Make sure you stay motivated, listen to feedback given to you, and take every chance to learn new skills." 

Read Sophie's full story

Why I chose a Modern Apprenticeship 

"I chose this route as I got to stay at home and could learn whilst earning at the same time." 

What the apprenticeship involves 

"My role involves making and testing underwater cameras. I sometimes get to be involved in the assembly side by making PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) and harnesses, which helps me develop new skills to use whilst making the cameras. I get two days release to the college to complete my NC6, and if I require any time to complete college work during work time, my employer is very flexible." 

Learning New Skills 

"I have gained lots of new skills as this is completely different to what I have done before. I have got better at using computer systems and have developed better soldering skills and an understanding of what may cause faults on boards." 

The Most Rewarding Part 

"The most rewarding part of my apprenticeship has been being able to keep the pass rate high for the cameras going out. I have also been able to test my skills and try new designs." 

Future Plans 

"I plan on continuing to develop my skills and keep learning. I’m planning on staying with the company and seeing what opportunities appear." 

My Advice 

"Give it a go! You may like it more than you think. The people around you are there to help you learn; they were once in the same shoes. There are many opportunities after your apprenticeship which your employer may throw at you. Being a girl in a male-dominated industry isn’t as scary as people may think." 

Read Ashley's full story

Why I chose a Modern Apprenticeship?

"I chose this course because it allowed me to study while working in a relevant role. It was a great way to expand my knowledge and understanding while continuing to earn and do a job I love."

My learning experience

"The coursework was easily accessible online, and I set aside time each day to check the Proof Positive app to ensure I was on track and recording evidence. Each week, I set goals for completing and submitting written work. My course assessor was a fantastic source of support, always there to help with any challenges I faced."

Skills gained

"Completing my apprenticeship helped me develop strong time management skills. My IT and communication skills have also improved significantly. Most importantly, the course gave me the confidence to continue learning, and I have since progressed to a degree programme."

Most rewarding moments

"The most rewarding part of my apprenticeship was achieving my goal and being able to say I had passed. I was completely self-motivated to earn the qualification, but sharing the news with my manager and course assessor was a great feeling of accomplishment."

Next steps

"After completing my apprenticeship, I was accepted into a BA in Child and Youth Studies. The skills I gained during my apprenticeship have helped me manage my time and study effectively. Long term, I want to continue working in education, as I am passionate about supporting ASN children and their families."

Would you recommend a Modern Apprenticeship?

"Absolutely! A Modern Apprenticeship is a fantastic way to develop your skills while staying in employment. It provided me with valuable experience and gave me a deeper understanding of my role within a school."

Final thoughts

"My course assessor, Jackie Mooney, was an incredible support throughout my studies. She was approachable, positive, and extremely knowledgeable. Jackie made the course enjoyable and was always there to reassure me in moments of self-doubt."

Read Sinclair's full story

Why I chose a Modern Apprenticeship

"I wanted to gain more skills and experience to set myself up for the future."

My Learning Experience

"Every day, I’m learning a trade and developing new skills. My work involves building kit houses, including roofing, first fix, and second fix joinery."

Skills Gained

"I now have a solid understanding of how to build houses from start to finish."

Achievements

"One of my biggest achievements has been gaining the confidence to complete jobs on my own, using the knowledge I’ve gained both in college and on-site."

Next steps

"I plan to continue growing, improving, and learning with Calmax Construction Ltd."

Advice for future apprentices

"I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship. It’s highly rewarding, and you gain valuable skills that will help you build a strong future."

Personal reflection

"There’s nothing more satisfying than looking back at something you’ve built and saying, ‘I made that.’ It gives you a real sense of pride and confidence."

Read more from Ecosystems Technologies

"At Ecosystems Technologies, we see Modern Apprenticeships as an essential investment in both our business and the wider Highlands community. As a growing company operating in Invergordon, we recognise the real challenges of finding skilled people and, just as importantly, retaining that talent locally. Supporting apprentices allows us to develop the skills we need whilst creating meaningful career opportunities here in the Highlands.

Ryan Mackay is a great example of the positive impact Modern Apprenticeships can have. Now in his third year of Carpentry and Joinery at UHI Thurso, Ryan has been part of our team since September 2024. After his studies were previously disrupted due to Covid, we were keen to support him in getting back on track and continuing his qualification. His commitment, combined with the hands-on experience he gains with us, demonstrates exactly how valuable the apprenticeship pathway can be – for both the individual and the employer.

As our business and team continue to grow, so too does demand for our services – in providing a home grown, sustainable, modular, off-site product. Modern Apprenticeships give us the opportunity to shape and develop the next generation of skilled professionals, ensuring our workforce grows sustainably and with the right expertise. We are proud to support Ryan and would actively encourage other businesses across the region to consider apprenticeships as a way to strengthen their teams whilst investing in the future of the Highlands."