GOVERNMENT Ministers visited Fife College to see for themselves a great partnership in action which is enabling pupils in Fife to complete core elements of apprenticeship programmes while still at school. And Lochgelly High School pupils were the centre of attention last Tuesday for Alasdair Allan and Times columnist Annabelle Ewing.

Dr Allan, Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages and Ms Ewing, Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment, visited the College’s Stenton Campus, in Glenrothes, to find out more about the programme which is one of two currently being piloted in Scotland, the other being in West Lothian.

During their visit, the two Ministers heard from key staff involved, including the College, Fife Council and Skills Development Scotland.

The Ministers also visited the College’s Engineering Department and met pupils from Lochgelly High School who are in College one day per week studying an Engineering Apprenticeship.

Around 40 pupils from five schools started their apprenticeships with Fife College in October 2014. High schools involved include: Lochgelly, Buckhaven, Kirkland, Auchmuty and Kirkcaldy.

Emma Scott, from LHS, is delighted to be on the Foundation Apprenticeship Programme. She said, “I’d really like to be an architect when I’m older and I’m looking at university or an apprenticeship after finishing school.

“I heard about the Programme at school and thought it would really help me. It will look great on my CV and shows I’m committed to my future career.

“I’m enjoying the work and the environment. You’re given more space to work on your own and you’re treated more like an adult. I’ve learned a lot on the course – it’s not all machinery, there are a lot of technical drawing skills to master on the course which has been great for me.” Hugh Logan, Principal at Fife College, was delighted to welcome both Ministers to the College. He said, “This project is an excellent opportunity for young people to gain valuable practical skills while still at school, which will support them in their future studies and careers. It’s only been a few months since the pupils began their training with us but already we are hearing from them and from their schools how well they are progressing, which is great news.

“Undertaking a Foundation Apprenticeship at school widens the subject choice for pupils and helps them to keep their options open for future study. Supporting Engineering apprenticeships also helps us meet industry’s need to train qualified engineers of the future which will benefit Fife.” Annabelle Ewing said, “Foundation Apprenticeships are part of our response to the recommendations from the Commission for Scotland’s Young Workforce to help strengthen the links between employment and education.

“I am very pleased to have been able to meet the young people of Fife participating in the pilot who are building up the skills they need to help them secure a job. Closer working between schools, colleges and businesses are key to the implementation of the Scottish Government’s youth employment strategy and a substantial reduction in the number of young people out of work.” Alasdair Allan added, “Foundation Apprenticeships will allow young women and men to undertake some work-based learning during the senior stages of secondary school.

“More options will be opened up for their future career including a Modern Apprenticeship, going to college or university, or moving into employment, with an increased confidence in their skills for the workplace.

 “I very much welcome this pilot and am keen to see how it could operate elsewhere.” SDS Director of Service Design & Innovation, Jonathan Clark, commented, “The Fife Foundation Apprenticeship Programme is a great example of a partnership between schools, a local college and employers which will benefit young people.

“This new approach to apprenticeships will better prepare young people for the world of work by equipping them with experience and skills, as well as knowledge, they require for today’s changing labour market.”