Meet our Modern Apprentices

Kieran completed the Business Administration apprenticeship and currently works as a HR Administrator in the Institute for Regeneration and Repair.

After leaving school, Kieran wanted to start gaining work experience instead of going to college or university. Doing an apprenticeship at the University gave him the opportunity to learn new skills and earn money at the same time.

Completing the apprenticeship has taught Kieran many new skills. One of the key highlights was understanding the theory behind practice and using his experience to successfully achieve his qualification: "Having to explain what I was doing really helped the theory sink in, and allowed me to see the bigger picture and the impact my work has had."

It's also easy to see how he made an impact within different teams and departments at the University. Thinking back when Kieran moved to a different department, he highlights: "I’m proud to have made a positive impact on so many colleagues, with the experience helping to build up my resilience, adaptability and confidence to progress in my current role."

For anyone thinking of applying for a Modern Apprenticeship at the University of Edinburgh, Kieran would say: "I would definitely recommend it. If you do, make the most of it and enjoy! If you have the right people and support, it can be a great opportunity for development, and pave the way for your future career."

"The best piece of advice I’ve had is to never loose your sense of fun no matter what stage you’re at in your career."

Paul currently works as a Lab Technician within the School of Health and Social Sciences.

Before joining the University of Edinburgh’s Modern Apprentice Programme 2019, Paul worked in a bar and wanted to pursue his passion for Technology and Sport Science. 

Becoming an Apprentice Technician within the Institute for Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences has given Paul many opportunities to grow and unlock his potential. Since completing his apprenticeship, he has become a registered technician and led the development of new labs within the Clinical Psychology department.

“My Apprenticeship gave me many opportunities and allowed me to work with people I would never have had the chance to. The additional Training sessions allowed me to prepare for having a pension for the first time and gave me a good foundation of knowledge digitally to reduce gaps in knowledge.”

 To anyone considering applying for a Modern Apprenticeship at the University, Paul would say, “Do it. It has changed my life and allowed me to have a job I love, work with people I enjoy being around, and given me so much confidence in myself. Without doing my MA, I would hate to see where I would be.”

Paul hopes to continue to pursue his passion and aspires to move into a managerial position over the coming years.

Daniel joined the University of Edinburgh’s Modern Apprentice program in 2018 as a Human Resources Administrative Modern Apprentice completing his SCQF level 5 in Business Administration. 

“I chose to apply for a Modern Apprenticeship with the University of Edinburgh because

I was at a bit of a crossroads when deciding what I wanted to do after school. I never wanted to go to University; I always wanted to find a way to continue learning while earning money.”

Since completing his apprenticeship, Daniel has secured two promotions and worked in three different departments within the University. He completed his level 3 certificate in people practice qualification and enrolled in the University’s Aspiring Manager programme.

“I think the University of Edinburgh is a great employer. When I started, I felt supported whilst transitioning from school. The work environment was very different from school. However, I had a supportive and understanding team that helped me through the transition. Since completing my Apprenticeship and changing departments twice, the continual feeling at the University is that a strong feeling of community and belonging exists.”

I strongly recommend doing a Modern Apprentice with the University of Edinburgh. Since joining and completing my apprentice, I have felt valued in every department I have worked in.

The apprentice programme helped me grow both inside and outside of work. The workshops within the University’s Modern Apprentice programme have helped me become a better professional and develop my career in HR.”

Connor started his career at the University in 2017 as a Modern Apprentice. He studied Creative and Digital Media while working as Design, Publication and Digital Media Assistant at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer. After his Modern Apprenticeship ended in 2019, he was offered a full-time position.

"A modern apprenticeship is a good stepping-stone into the industry, particularly an industry that is hard to get into without experience." This gave him the opportunity to start working while gaining a new qualification, learning new skills and earning money.

His Modern Apprentice role involved working as an in-house designer as part of a small team, offering graphics/photography support and running a printing service. This position gave him the opportunity to work with a diverse range of both projects and people across the Institute.

Looking back, Connor notices how doing the apprenticeship prepared him for the working full-time. It gave him time to learn the job while doing it, all while knowing he was supported by his manager and colleagues, which made his experience even better. "I was taught valuable skills, in a comfortable environment, surrounded by people who were always happy to help with my development."

"An apprenticeship also helps to build your confidence, knowing you don’t have to be perfect straight away, you can build your skills and knowledge gradually over time."

For anyone thinking about Modern Apprenticeships, Connor would advise to go for it! He said, "From start to finish, you will be a valued member of the team and the skills you gain set you up for the rest of your career."

 

Rachael is currently working as a Modern Apprentice while completing the Business Administration qualification. She started her journey at the University in September 2022.

When thinking about her next steps after leaving school, Rachael wanted to find a job where she could gain work experience. This is how she found out about Modern Apprenticeships and decided to give it a go and apply - and she's glad she did!

Before starting the apprenticeship, Rachael did a college course but struggled with completing some of the work and this affected her confidence. However, during her apprenticeship, Rachael has been given support to complete her work and studies in her own pace. "Asking for help felt easier without feeling compared to classmates and I was feeling more confident about my abilities and what work I was doing." Having a great support network in the workplace has made a big difference: "everyone has encouraged me and have always been there for me if I needed help - it has been great to experience a healthy workplace environment."

Something that Rachael has really loved while working at the University has been the development opportunities available to her; she has been on different training courses provided by the University and they have all been great. She said, "the University gives everyone plenty of options to grow and progress in their career."

Rachael would recommend others to do an apprenticeship at the University of Edinburgh, as it is not only a great way to build qualifications for the future, but also to gain skills in a working environment, especially for those who haven't had a chance to work before. She said, "it gives you a great working experience and you can still build on what skills you have from school."​​​​

She also highlights, "with being autistic and really uncertain about how I was going to cope in a workplace, an apprenticeship has been great for me because it gives me a more controlled experience of both higher education and work life without being too overwhelming."

James joined the Accounts Payable team as a Clerical Administrator Apprentice after completing his Career Ready programme with the University while still at School. He is completing an Accounting (AAT) Level 2 qualification, which is mainly self-study, however he is supported by a tutor from the training provider to complete his end of unit exams.  James says he learns something new every week and his colleagues are really supportive of his studies and help explain things.

“Completing the Career Ready programme at the University of Edinburgh really helped prepare me for the world of work and a Modern Apprenticeship. The University of Edinburgh is one of the best places to work, because of its size. You can gain experience and get involved in lots of different things to widen your knowledge. I would say to others, just go for it. It’s an amazing opportunity!”

Callum joined the University in 2017 from school where he completed an HNC in Applied Science.  He is now gaining real work experience while studying a Life Science modern apprenticeship specialising in Animal Applied Science with Fife College.  He attends college once a week. Callum is enjoying working and learning at the same time. Outside work, Callum is a keen bagpiper.  He recently won gold at the Cowal Highland Games solo piping competition.

"The University is a good place to work, it is a big organisation with lots of opportunities and offers apprenticeships in different areas."

Kerrie joined the Accounts Payable team as a Clerical Administrator Apprentice at the end of 2016. She is completing an Accounting (AAT) Level 2 qualification, it is mainly self-study but she is supported by a tutor from the training provider.  Kerrie’s colleagues are also supportive of her studies and help explain things to her. She is involved in processing invoices, expense claims and dealing with email queries received from staff, students and University suppliers. Outside work, Kerrie enjoys going to the cinema and socialising with her friends.

“ I think a modern apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity and a stable way to continue with studying whilst earning money and gaining experience. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship at the University as it has opened up lots of opportunities for me”.  

Kerrie has now complete her Level 2 AAT and is now working as a Finance Assistant in Accounts Payable.