Apprentices and employers from across Edinburgh and Lothians have been named as finalists in the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards delivered by Skills Development Scotland (SDS). The awards are presented on November 7.
The awards are in their 18th year and bring together apprentices, employers and learning providers to celebrate the contributions apprenticeships make to the economy.
Mirhan Smith is a finalist in the Modern Apprentice of the Year SCQF Level 5 category, which is in partnership with College Development Network.
The 19-year-old began her hospitality Modern Apprenticeship at The Larder Café in East Calder and is now training to be a commis chef.
Edinburgh-based Hayley Donaldson is a contender in the Apprentice Ambassador of the Year category which is in partnership with QA Apprenticeship. Hayley, who lives in Tranent, is an IT manager with the Phoenix Group.
Jordanne Currie (pictured) is a finalist in the Modern Apprentice SCQF level 6+ category. The 22-year-old is in the final year of her engineering Modern Apprenticeship at Leonardo, in Crewe Road North, Edinburgh.
Ingenza is in the running for two awards. The Roslin-based company has been nominated in the Promoting Diversity SME Employer of the Year category, partnered by PeoplePlus. The Biotech firm is also hoping for a win in the SME Employer of the Year category, which is in partnership with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce.
Nairn’s Oatcakes has also been nominated for two awards. The company has retained 100 per cent of its Modern Apprentices since launching the programme and is in the running for the Promoting Diversity SME Employer of the Year award, partnered by PeoplePlus, and the SME Employer of the Year category, partnered by the Scottish Chambers of Commerce.
Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, said: “More and more individuals and employers across Scotland are seeing the benefits of apprenticeships.
“We are delivering more apprenticeships in Scotland than ever before with a record 28,191 starts in 2018/19 and over a quarter of a million Modern and Graduate Apprentices across this administration.”
“This year saw a record-breaking number of award nominations reflecting the growing number of apprentices and employers who are investing in their future through work-based learning.”
To find out more about apprenticeships and the awards visit www.apprenticeships.scot/awards.
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