High flyer Harris’s career ready for take off with apprenticeship

Broughton High pupil Harris chose a Business Skills Foundation Apprenticeship alongside his other school subjects.

His achievements are being celebrated along those of other apprentices as part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, which is co-ordinated by Skills Development Scotland and takes place from 2 to 6 March.

The theme is Talent Without Limits, celebrating the diversity that makes Scottish Apprenticeships good for individuals, employers and the economy. The 17-year-old spends his work placement in Edinburgh Airport’s HR department and is now considering choosing a Modern Apprenticeship over university.

Harris said: “Business Studies was my favourite subject at school and the chance to gain some practical experience was too good to turn down. The Foundation Apprenticeship caught my eye and I loved the sound of it.

“I’m still unsure whether to go to university or apply for a Modern or Graduate Apprenticeship. Either way, the Foundation Apprenticeship is a great pathway for me to progress.”

Harris was made aware of Foundation Apprenticeships through a routine appointment with his Skills Development Scotland school careers adviser.

His mum and dad encouraged him to seize the opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience.

Harris said: “My Foundation Apprenticeship has been exactly what I expected and more. The college side and work placement have been great.

“I also have a part-time job in Waitrose, but I’ve become more comfortable in an office environment. I love coming into Edinburgh Airport and being able to apply the skills I have learned from college.”

Harris couldn’t be in better hands as his workplace supervisor, Duncan Anderson, is a former apprentice himself.

Having used an apprenticeship to kickstart his own career, Edinburgh Airport’s recruitment manager said: “I was keen to support Foundation Apprenticeships because I started my career in a similar way. I’d like to support someone like Harris and show him the ropes in the way I was. Foundation Apprenticeships could potentially become a succession plan across the airport.”

Edinburgh College enterprise and commerce lecturer Tracey Reid said: “Harris has excelled in his Foundation Apprenticeship studies. He shows a real commitment to his apprenticeship and should be very proud of what he has achieved so far.”

SDS chief executive Damien Yeates said: “Scottish Apprenticeships create opportunities for everyone no matter their background and for every business no matter its size or sector.”

For more information, visit www.apprenticeships.scot