Hillcrest Supports Scottish Apprenticeship Week
“For anyone considering an apprenticeship, I would say: go for it.”
The Hillcrest Group is one of the many companies providing apprenticeship opportunities that set young people up for success in their careers.
Lesley Pert, Hillcrest HR Manager, said:
“At Hillcrest, we recognise that our greatest asset is our staff, so we do all that we can to invest in the workforce of the future. We have a long history of offering work placements, work experience and apprenticeships and will continue to explore new ways of supporting young people in to meaningful employment.
“Apprenticeships provide good quality work-based learning, which we have found is very appealing to young people who do not want to continue with full-time education but are still keen to gain a qualification. It is extremely rewarding to see many of our apprentices go on to gain full-time employment and a high percentage have remained within the organisation.”
Hillcrest apprentices Matthew Hurrell, 20, said:
“I’m now in my second year of my modern apprenticeship with Hillcrest, which continues to be a great experience. On leaving school, I was unsure what I wanted to do – go on to further education or get a job. The modern apprenticeship has been the best of both worlds, as I’m working full-time at the same time as completing my SVQ 3 in Business and Administration.
“For anyone considering an apprenticeship, I would say: go for it. It’s allowed me to work for a number of different departments at Hillcrest and get an insight in to the range of administrative work there is. I am much more confident than when I left school and feel like I’m on the path to an interesting career.”
Robbie Christie, 21, and Ross Grant, 20, are both in the final year of their four-year apprenticeships in carpentry and joinery. Robbie said:
“Being an apprentice has given me the chance to create a career for myself.”
Ross added:
“I’m thankful for the opportunity Hillcrest has given me to serve my time as a joiner. And enjoy working with the tradesman at the company.”
Scottish Apprenticeship Week runs from 5–9 March to promote apprenticeships and support young people to make their mark on the Scottish economy.