MSPs meet ScotRail’s ‘Modern Apprentices’

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Two MSPs yesterday praised a unique modern apprenticeship scheme which involves young people.

They described ScotRail’s Modern Apprenticeships in Customer Service – the first of its kind in the rail industry – as crucial in recognising the importance of skills as well as learning and development.

The MSPs’ comments followed a tour of the train operator’s Training Academy where they met a number of the apprentices who are aged 17 to 22.

For Margaret McCulloch, MSP for Central Scotland Region, the visit was a return to her roots.

She worked as a training executive at the University of Strathclyde’s Centre for Skills Enhancement for more than 17 years. Immediately prior to her election to the Scottish Parliament, she was a self-employed trainer for Modern Apprentices.

ScotRail’s 18-month programme covers three key customer service roles – ticket examiner, station staff and hospitality.

Launched in March, it is providing the apprentices with a range of skills and also will enable them to achieve a Customer Service level 2 SVQ – and a Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Margaret said: “I was delighted to accept an invitation from ScotRail to see for myself its first-class Training Academy in Glasgow. I was particularly impressed by the Modern Apprenticeship programme and the high calibre of the young people who are all working towards a promising future in the rail industry.”

Gordon MacDonald, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, added: “Vocational training is very important and I welcome ScotRail’s initiative in providing training to a high standard.

“It is also to be welcomed at a time of increased petrol and diesel costs which have helped drive growth in the public transport sector, including rail. That makes it all the more important that staff are qualified and developed to reach their full potential.”

The apprentices – all aged 17 to 22 – also welcomed the opportunity to develop and reach their full potential.

Nicholas Patrick, 18, from Strathaven, Lanarkshire – who was a part-time worker in his local Co-op store before taking up the apprenticeship – said:

“I’m really enjoying the hands on learning and job training. So far, I’ve been on trains as a ticket examiner and will switch soon to training at booking offices at stations.”

Lynsey Shovlin, 22, who graduated from Edinburgh Napier University in festival and events’ management, said:

“I’ve been training at Haymarket Station’s booking office and am really enjoying the challenges at the frontline.

“The team spirit is great among all the apprentices and I’m also looking forward to going for the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.”

Steve Montgomery, ScotRail’s managing director of ScotRail, said that nurturing young talent is an excellent way of creating a highly skilled and loyal workforce.

He added: “The young recruits will face many challenges and in return will receive first rate training and mentoring to develop their confidence and equip them with the skills to forge a successful career.”

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