Scottish Enterprise launches new apprenticeship programme

Scottish Enterprise (SE) has today (Friday 29 June) launched a new recruitment drive to find talented new apprentices.

The economic development agency is looking for 20 new apprentices to join the organisation in September 2012. The scheme is open for anyone to apply and SE is keen to find the brightest talent from across Scotland.

In the job advert, SE highlights that candidates do not need to have previous work experience but “enthusiasm, drive, a willingness to work with others and a good amount of determination”. Candidates are also expected to have at least two Highers or equivalent qualifications.

Successful candidates will join the new SE Apprenticeship scheme and will work in different parts of the business, gaining experience of working on some of the biggest economic development projects across the country. They will also be able to complete a Level 4 vocational qualification while working for Scottish Enterprise.

Crawford Gillies, chairman of Scottish Enterprise said: “We recognise that the jobs market is tough out there at the moment, especially for young people.

“Over the past year, we’ve been working with companies across Scotland to raise awareness about the importance of bringing in fresh talent to a business to help generate new thinking or new ways of working that can often be a breath of fresh air.

“We’ve decided to practice what we preach and set up our own apprenticeship programme and we’re inviting people from across Scotland to apply to work with us.

“Despite the tough economic environment that we’re operating in, there is still much to be excited about Scotland’s economy. Scotland is home to some of the world’s leading developments in renewable energy and in exciting new sectors such as digital media, the creative industries and life sciences, as well as traditional sectors such as food and drink, textiles and tourism.

“Apprentices will be able to gain experience of working on a number of projects over their placement while also getting training and qualifications.”

Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance added: “This is an excellent example of a public sector organisation demonstrating confidence in the value of recruiting young people and growing their talent for the benefit of their business. I am very pleased to see Scottish Enterprise launching this new recruitment drive and am confident that it will help talented young people into employment.”

Scottish Enterprise's apprenticeship programme will last for 18 months, with potential for the selected apprentices to get a permanent position as well as an opportunity to study for a degree qualification.

It will also complement SE’s graduate trainee programme, which it introduced in 2010. Eight of the first nine participants of this programme are due to complete their placement in October 2012 and have been offered permanent positions with the organisation. The remaining trainee left the programme earlier having been offered a position with a Scottish company.

Scottish Enterprise will be starting recruitment for its next intake of 12 graduate trainees in early 2013.

People interested in applying for Scottish Enterprise’s apprenticeship programme can find out more at www.scottish-enterprise.com/jobs.

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