Glasgow’s first Foundation Apprentices move on to work and further study

Meet our first Foundation Apprentices. They are work-ready, sure of their career choices, and confident that the knowledge, skills and experience they gained on their courses will help them to progress in employment and further learning. 

They have already benefitted from our regional approach. They chose courses from a regional curriculum that combined the strengths of all three Glasgow colleges and that was developed to meet the needs of employers in the Region’s key industries. Their learning has, therefore, been directly responsive and relevant to career opportunities.

The Foundation Apprenticeship Programme is growing. Next year, just over 200 apprentices will complete their courses and, in 2020, we expect another 350 of Glasgow’s young people to launch their careers via this regional, responsive and economically productive route.

Aidan Miller, whose Foundation Apprenticeship is in Civil Engineering, is already in work. He has embarked on a Modern Apprenticeship with Geo Structural and is enjoying working with wind turbines. He believes that the experience and qualification he gained from his Foundation Apprenticeship helped him to get a job in a career that he loves.

Anton Dunlop’s Foundation Apprenticeship is in Civil Engineering. He feels that he benefitted from his lecturers’ support and encouragement and hopes to move on to a Modern Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering.

Darragn Maginnis feels that his Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering Systems has given him a practical insight into the work he’ll be doing in the future. He plans to study Electrical Engineering at University.

Fraser Munro is entering his second year of a Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media. The course has given him an overview into all media channels and developed a new interest in radio. He feels that he has learned a lot from working as a team during the apprenticeship.

Lewis Kelly, A Foundation Apprentice in Civil Engineering, feels that his work placement with Scottish Water, working on the waste water network, has been of tremendous value in his career and personal development. He has applied for a Modern Apprenticeship with Scottish Water and may consider studying for a degree in the future.

Michael Sweenie has completed his Foundation Apprenticeship in IT Software. He felt that the apprenticeship has given him valuable workplace experience that he couldn’t have got in school. He hopes to study for an HND at City of Glasgow College.

Natasha Cusack, of St Luke’s High School, won the Outstanding Commitment Award. As part of her Foundation Apprenticeship, she worked with AXA and found the experience interesting and valuable. Her exam results will determine her next career move.

Ruth Briggs, of Williamwood High School, is a Creative and Digital Media Foundation Apprentice. She feels that the course has broadened her understanding of the media and developed her interest in radio. Ruth hopes to progress to a Modern Apprenticeship with the BBC or STV.

Thelma Chibatu has completed a Civil Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship and is applying for Modern Apprenticeships. She is also considering continuing in further or higher education from which a Graduate Apprenticeship may develop. She believes that the experience of working and the skills and knowledge she has gained through her Foundation Apprenticeship will open doors for her.

Zaynab Sarguron has completed her first year of a Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering Systems. She valued the mix of classroom and practical learning and is looking forward to working with Scottish Water on placement this summer. Zaynab plans to study Engineering at university and believes that she has benefitted from understanding how knowledge translates into practice.