Achi news desk-
Marc, 18, was worried about his career options when he left Falkirk High School aged 15 with few qualifications due to his dyslexia and ADHD.
The teenager applied for a Modern Apprenticeship in Food and Drink Operations (Butchery) through a school initiative and hasn’t looked back.
In March, Marc was named Scottish Apprentice of the Year in recognition of his achievements.
Partnerships at Marc’s school were key to getting him into his apprenticeship. Support included teachers, Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Learning and Community Development, Craft Skills Scotland and Go! Youth Trust.
Working at Blair Drummond Smiddy, Stirlingshire, helped Marc gain skills and competence in many aspects of the trade and inspired him to want his own shop.
one day. He quickly became a key member of the team, completing his apprenticeship and playing a significant role in supporting business growth of 24 per cent.
Marc said: “I used to feel so ashamed that I couldn’t read or write properly but doing the Modern Apprenticeship has completely changed my life.
“Being able to go to work, earn money and learn at the same time was the best feeling ever. When I was younger, I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to work or move out of home – I can’t believe how far I’ve come. I want other young people to know that there are still great career paths such as apprenticeships, even if school wasn’t for them.”
Marc passed his driving test, bought his own car and motorbike and is now saving to move into his own home.
Marc applied the same dedication and determination in his personal life too – successfully losing eight stone in a year.
Blane McConnell was Marc’s SDS careers adviser at Falkirk High School and supported him to apply and interview for his apprenticeship.
Blane said: “I’m incredibly proud of the part I’ve played in Marc’s journey. It’s great to be able to see the positive impact you’ve had on a young person’s life. That’s exactly why we do what we do.”
There are SDS careers advisers in every secondary school in Scotland, working with pupils across year groups to make informed decisions about their future.
Ray Robertson, SDS Team Leader for Falkirk, said: “Marc is a great example of the vital support that SDS careers advisers offer to thousands of people across Scotland every day.
“Our careers advice teams offer free, impartial careers information, advice and guidance to people of all ages, not just in schools but in careers centers and community settings across Scotland. We play a vital role in supporting people who want to find a career, go back to work, change careers, upskill or reskill.”
Marc was supported by Falkirk High School’s Inspiring Learning Space (ILS), which offers extra support to pupils who may face challenges.
Stuart Kelly, Head of Falkirk High School, said: “Marc’s achievements are testament to his hard work and resilience, and the support his mother has offered him throughout.
“He arrived at his school journey with determination and commitment, and it is clear from his achievements that he carries that forward into his working life.
“Marc is still part of our school community, and he visits current ILS students to encourage and motivate them.
“All of us who have played a part in his journey have been inspired to see how far he has come. This recognition of Marc is a testament to his belief in himself, his resilience and his hard work.”
Marc also won the SCQF Level 5 Modern Apprentice of the Year gong sponsored by SQA at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, organized by SDS.
Learning and Community Development worker Shona Keenan supported Marc in the ILS. Shona said: “I worked with Marc to get him ready to move on to life after school.
“As with all our young people, it was about developing life skills, communication, confidence and encouraging him to follow his own path, supporting him through mock interviews, so that when an opportunity came he was in the best possible place to grab it on it. . Marc worked really hard, I’m so proud of what he’s achieved by following his own path, being determined to achieve it and not letting others get him off track. I can’t imagine anyone who would be more deserving of this award.”
For information on apprenticeships and the latest vacancies visit apprenticeships.scot. For careers help, visit myworldofwork.co.uk or call 0800 917 8000
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‘Outcomes will be strengthened through collaboration’
By Grahame Smith, Chair of the Career Services Collaborative Group
DYNAMIC change in the post-pandemic economy and society requires a decisive change in the way we prepare and support people to engage and thrive in the world of work of the future.
The recent Review of careers services in Scotland aimed to achieve such a change.
While it confirmed that we have world-class services for all ages that are the envy of countries around the world, it also revealed significant inconsistency, regional variation and fragmentation in our system which means, beyond national services , that not everyone has equal access to the range of career services.
Ambitious recommendations to redesign the careers ecosystem and make services more sustainable, particularly for those who need additional support, are now being implemented under the umbrella of the Career Services Collaborative Group.
In a unique alliance, career service providers and practitioners, who are passionate about the excellent services they provide, have come together with service users and industry and third sector stakeholders, in a joint effort, nationally and regionally, to make services more coordinated and available to all.
Through the Collaborative Group they have been working together to identify shared solutions to shared problems and to make the best use of all available resources.
Their commitment to working together has been exceptional.
He has been creative and innovative in identifying how resources can be used for maximum impact.
Each part of our careers eco-system has developed its own action plan and a range of joint actions to deliver our collective vision for service users. Our local government partners have made an important contribution to this across a range of their functions, including careers education and employability services.
More than a year after the publication of the final report of the Careers Review, the reality is that the budgetary constraints facing careers service providers could have a significant impact on our ability to achieve our vision for the future.
I do not underestimate the challenge to our public services, especially our local authorities, in terms of balancing their budgets. However, our collaborative efforts to change, innovate and improve Scotland’s careers services will only be realized if the resources needed to deliver on the recommendations of the Careers Review can be secured.
The de-prioritisation of careers services, particularly at a local level, risks exacerbating inequalities, leading to inevitable damage not only to the future of many of our young people, but also to the economic well-being of our country.
The Review’s recommendations will take time and investment to fully implement and I welcome the Ministers’ firm commitment to the work of the Co-operative, alongside wider skills reform.
As Chair of the Career Services Collaborative, I make a passionate plea to protect support for young people and those trying to develop their careers.
The work of the Collaborative Group has already shown that, by working together and applying our resources together, we can strengthen the current services and ensure better results for our young people, and our future. I simply ask that this be remembered when difficult decisions are made.
Find out about the Career Review and the Career Services Co-operative at careerreview.scot
