Glasgow Kelvin College

Glasgow Based Further Education College - newsite

Not Just Hammers and Hardhats – Foundation Apprenticeships at McTaggart Group

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Ross Hammell at McTaggart (interview with Ross Hammell)

A key Foundation Apprenticeship employer partner, McTaggart Group, have continued to operate throughout this current level of the pandemic with work ongoing at 28 sites, including their construction sites.

Ross Hammell, Sustainable Communities Manager, oversees the delivery of around 300 work placement opportunities.  In addition, the 32 civil engineering Foundation Apprentices they are currently supporting continue to benefit despite the pandemic and are able to engage online for virtual work experience including filming from live site visits.

At the moment, much of their work is project-based and they’re learning from the experience of the company’s Civil Engineers who are on the Graduate Apprenticeship Programme.

As Ross says:

“These Graduate Apprentices are great ambassadors for an incredible industry and convey how skills and a positive attitude are valued in an exciting and dynamic workplace.”

McTaggart Group also supports Modern Apprenticeships, Foundation Apprenticeships at SCQF Level 4 and 5, HNC Construction Management students and engages with Glasgow Kelvin College through the Flexible Workforce Development Fund.

Throughout the Civil Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship, McTaggart try to give young people a broader experience of the industry, from site management to quantity surveying and offsite manufacturing processes.  There are 900 different job roles in the construction industry and the FA offers a taste of working with relevant trade professionals.

Ross outlined:

“The industry is moving at such a fast pace, with the introduction of new processes, Building Information Modelling and virtual technologies like CGI flythroughs, which is much like the gaming technology that many young people are familiar with.  These days it’s not just Hammers and Hardhats but driving home that preparation and planning will occupy up to 50% of time spent.

Under the restrictions of the pandemic, we’ve expanded our apprenticeship model.  Ordinarily we would have around 6-8 Foundation Apprentices on board.  However we’re now delivering up to 200 hours of remote online learning, using Microsoft Teams, to over 30 FAs using their laptops, tablets and phones.”

The Glasgow Foundation Apprenticeship programme is managed through Glasgow Kelvin College and funded by Skills Development Scotland with the support of the Glasgow Regional Colleges Board (GCRB) and the other two Glasgow colleges, Glasgow Clyde and City of Glasgow.

Chosen as subjects in S5 or S6, Foundation Apprenticeships at SCQF Level 6 provide school pupils with industry insight and experience of the world of work to gain a qualification at the same level as a Scottish Higher.  Delivered by learning providers in partnership with employers, knowledge gained is supported through a series of practical activities including industry projects or work placements undertaken virtually and in person. Civil Engineering is one of  12 types of Foundation Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6 to choose from and they typically take two years to complete, but some can be completed in one year.

The programme also helps the apprentices to look at the wider industry with an eye to progression and succession planning.  The Board of McTaggart Group is keen that sites are used for learning and recognise that today’s young people will be the surveyors, site managers and CEOs of tomorrow’s industry.

Some of the softer skills required in the industry are also provided, such as customer handling and client interaction as well as the technology around that, all of which is increasingly important for a sector which is meeting the challenges of increased automation in offsite manufacture and a labour shortage.

Summing up, Ross says:

“The industry has fought hard to invest in skills since the last recession and the Foundation Apprenticeship will ensure we have the best individuals for the future.

It is an amazing programme.  Anything that encourages young people to build relationships within the industry is immensely valuable.  Our apprentices are gaining the confidence of working life by holding conversations and interacting with senior professionals – this can only be a good thing”.

Creating Chances Through The Foundation Apprenticeship Programme

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Foundation Apprentice Robert McLauglin

Last week was Scottish Apprenticeship Week and an ideal opportunity to celebrate the many success stories where a Foundation Apprenticeship has provided the seeds of a promising career for Glasgow’s young people while they’re still on the school roll.

Chief among these trailblazing examples is Robert McLauglin of Netherlee.  While a pupil at Glasgow’s Williamwood High School, Robert undertook a Foundation Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering at Glasgow Kelvin College in 2019.

Part of his programme involved a work-placement with a local business and Robert was fortunate enough to gain his on-site experience with BAM Construction.

After completing his FA he had impressed the company so much that he was offered and accepted a trainee construction manager’s job with BAM Construction.   Robert was also Awarded East Renfrewshire Council Foundation Apprentice of the Year which was great recognition of his hard work.

Says Robert:

“I loved my Foundation Apprenticeship course at Kelvin.  It gave me the chance to gain experience at both college and in the working environment while I was still at school.   It was a brilliant experience and I will always be thankful to the FA team and the college staff who helped me while I was at the college.

The amazing experience I had at BAM too, where all the staff made me feel like part of the team and I was delighted to be offered the chance of employment with a great company.”

Jim Ward, Construction Director at BAM Construction said;

“Robert’s work ethic, commitment to learn and attitude impressed everyone here at BAM and we were delighted to offer him the opportunity“.

The Glasgow Foundation Apprenticeship programme is managed through Glasgow Kelvin College and funded by Skills Development Scotland with the support of the Glasgow Regional Colleges Board (GCRB) and the other two Glasgow colleges, Glasgow Clyde and City of Glasgow.

Chosen as subjects in S5 or S6, Foundation Apprenticeships at SCQF Level 6 provide school pupils with industry insight and experience of the world of work to gain a qualification at the same level as a Scottish Higher. Delivered by learning providers in partnership with employers, knowledge gained is supported through a series of practical activities including industry projects or work placements undertaken virtually and in person. There are 12 types of Foundation Apprenticeship to choose from and they typically take two years to complete, but some can be completed in one year.

It is a chance for young people to gain valuable work experience and achieve an industry recognised qualification.  It also lets them try out a career they are interested in while they're still at school.

Alan Shields, Foundation Apprenticeship Employer Engagement Lead, said:

“Through his hard work and determination Robert has deservedly been given a fantastic opportunity to begin what I am sure will be a very successful career in the Construction Industry.    Everyone involved in delivering the FA programme here at Glasgow Kelvin is grateful to BAM for their continued support.”

For more information on the Glasgow Foundation Apprenticeship, and to apply visit:  http://www.fapglasgow.scot/

Foundation Apprenticeship Celebration

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More than 182 pupils, representing schools across seven local authorities including the partnership of Glasgow, East Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire, were recognised at a special celebration event to mark the completion of their Foundation Apprenticeships.

The talented youngsters chose to take a one or two-year Foundation Apprenticeship as a school subject alongside their Highers or Nationals to gain an industry recognised work-based learning qualification.

Developed by Skills Development Scotland, Foundation Apprenticeships offer pupils vocational and personal development skills learning at college and a hands-on work experience with an employer leading to a qualification at the same level of learning as a Higher.

The celebration event, which took place in Glasgow City Chambers, was organised by Glasgow Regional Consortium, which represents the three local authorities; Glasgow City, East Dunbartonshire, and East Renfrewshire councils and all three colleges in Glasgow; Glasgow Kelvin College, Glasgow Clyde College and City of Glasgow College.

The school pupils gained industry-recognised qualifications across all skills frameworks involved in the Foundation Apprenticeship programme which includes the STEM subjects, ICT, Business, Creative Industries and Healthcare sectors.  The programme forms part of their senior phase subject choices and allows them to attend college whilst still attending school.

Employers of all sizes based in the area, such as McTaggarts, Scottish Enterprise, Dell, DF Concerts and NHS, offer Foundation Apprentices the chance to gain valuable work experience and skills within their company as an integral part of gaining their Foundation Apprenticeship qualification.

Read the full News article.

Four Foundation Apprentices with their certificates
Jamie Hepburn MSP with Foundation Apprentices

Apprentice Event Celebrates Skilled Pupils

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Four Foundation Apprentices with their certificates

Talented pupils gain Foundation Apprenticeship qualification ahead of exam results

More than 182 pupils, representing schools across seven local authorities including the partnership of Glasgow, East Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire, were recognised at a special celebration event to mark the completion of their Foundation Apprenticeships.

The talented youngsters chose to take a one or two-year Foundation Apprenticeship as a school subject alongside their Highers or Nationals to gain an industry recognised work-based learning qualification.

Developed by Skills Development Scotland, Foundation Apprenticeships offer pupils vocational and personal development skills learning at college and a hands-on work experience with an employer leading to a qualification at the same level of learning as a Higher.

The celebration event, which took place in Glasgow City Chambers, was organised by Glasgow Regional Consortium, which represents the three local authorities; Glasgow City, East Dunbartonshire, and East Renfrewshire councils and all three colleges in Glasgow; Glasgow Kelvin College, Glasgow Clyde College and City of Glasgow College.

 

 

Jamie Hepburn MSP with Foundation Apprentices

The school pupils gained industry-recognised qualifications across all skills frameworks involved in the Foundation Apprenticeship programme which includes the STEM subjects, ICT, Business, Creative Industries and Healthcare sectors.  The programme forms part of their senior phase subject choices and allows them to attend college whilst still attending school.

Employers of all sizes based in the area, such as McTaggarts, Scottish Enterprise, Dell, DF Concerts and NHS, offer Foundation Apprentices the chance to gain valuable work experience and skills within their company as an integral part of gaining their Foundation Apprenticeship qualification.

Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills was invited along to deliver the keynote speech to a packed venue which included the pupils, families and employers as well as representatives from the consortium partners.  Chair of Glasgow Colleges’ Regional Board, Janie McCusker, helped to present certificates to the successful students in front of their proud friends and families.

As part of the celebration event, a Q and A session was held with a panel where schools, employers and apprentices old and new were happy to answer questions from the audience.  It was a lively session and the Minister had the opportunity to meet the students who were delighted to have the chance to chat with him.

This year, the Consortium is offering 583 Foundation Apprenticeship opportunities across thirteen frameworks.

Pupils are still able to select these Foundation Apprenticeships and should contact their guidance teacher or school careers adviser if they would like to know more.

Janie McCusker, Chair of Glasgow Colleges’ Regional Board, said;

"Our three regional colleges, Glasgow Kelvin, Clyde and City of Glasgow, are working together to deliver Foundation Apprenticeships and are leading the way in closing the gap between the classroom and the workplace.

These apprenticeships give young people exposure to the world of work, which helps them to develop valuable skills, knowledge and experience.

We want to congratulate all of the pupils who have completed their Foundation Apprenticeships and are pleased to celebrate their achievements."

Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, added;

“I was delighted to attend the Glasgow Foundation Apprenticeship Celebration event to meet with Scotland’s Foundation Apprentices, and I welcomed hearing first-hand about how the apprenticeship is helping to equip more young people at school with industry recognised qualifications. The practical experience and skills they learn will help them to meet industry demands, both now and in the future.

Young people completing Foundation Apprenticeships today are the skilled workforce of tomorrow.  Not only do Foundation Apprenticeships foster stronger links between employers and education, they also give local employers the opportunity to play a more active role in developing the young workforce and shape the next generation of talent.

The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with Skills Development Scotland going forward, to maximise the uptake of the 5,000 opportunities now available for 2019.”

Graeme Hendry, SDS National Manager, Development and Delivery of Foundation and Graduate Apprenticeships said:

“Foundation Apprenticeships open up more career pathways and opportunities for young people, giving them the qualifications to move on to a job such as a Modern or Graduate Apprenticeship or apply for college or university.

Not only do Foundation Apprenticeships give young people a head start with experience in their chosen sector, they provide vital skills needed for the workplace such as communication, team working and self-management.”

Find out more about Foundation Apprenticeships and apply for one at www.apprenticeships.scot/fa

Engie And GKC Working Together

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Engie are delighted to be working in partnership with Glasgow Kelvin College to provide Foundation Apprenticeship opportunities on our sites in Scotland. It is important that employers offer opportunities for young people to gain work experience and skills whilst at school to enable them to make informed career choices.

Alan Shields – Employer Engagement Lead  Glasgow Colleges Foundation Apprenticeship Programme - says

“Glasgow Kelvin College  is delighted to have the support of Engie in providing work placements and career support for the young people participating on the Glasgow Colleges Foundation Apprenticeship Programme.

Engie have offered fantastic work placements and career guidance that will helps young people on the programme gain valuable work experience and develop skills that employers are looking for."

The pictures shown are of Prakash Singh from Knightswood Academy and the Site Manager is Craig McLachlan.