There has been an increase in the importance of apprenticeships within the workplace.

Although traditional apprenticeship schemes including engineering, electrical, welding and fabrication are still popular, disciplines like administration and logistics are becoming more in demand.

According to Skills Development Scotland (SDS) more than 1,700 people enrolled in a business and administration apprenticeship in June last year, which is a 46 per cent, increase compared to that for the term of 2009-2010.

Aberdeen-based ITCA, which is one of the largest engineering apprenticeship training firms in Scotland works with a range of firms across the North-east to provide training for young employees and although they offer the traditional disciplines, the training centre has an experienced team of trainers on-hand to deliver the business focused apprenticeships.

The firm has been providing the North-east with apprenticeship courses for more than 20 years and work closely with employers and the SDS to deliver their apprenticeship courses across a wide range of disciplines.

-- Advertisement --

ITCA works with leading international oil and gas services company, ASCO and provides apprentices within a range of sectors for the firm including business logistics and administration. ASCO currently has three apprentices employed who are on an apprenticeship scheme with ITCA, two apprentices within the business administration sector and one in the operations and logistics.

Greg Keith ,22, from Ellon is currently a logistics and operations management apprentice and is employed with ASCO full-time and has 18 months left in his apprenticeship programme. He said: "The apprenticeship has given me a great opportunity to earn and learn at the same time and it’s a job with real prospects. I’ve gained lots of varied work experience and I can see lots of opportunities for progression. My boss was also an apprentice at ASCO so straight away I knew that there were fantastic opportunities for me here."

Alex McGregor ,20, from Pitmedden is currently doing a Business Administration apprenticeship with ITCA focusing on the transport industry. He said: "I felt it was a great opportunity to get involved within an ever expanding market. My apprenticeship with ITCA and ASCO has taught me how to work efficiently within a team and I have learned various other skills to help assist me in my day to day tasks within my role at ASCO."

ITCA manages around 100 apprenticeships per year through SDS and from around 70 firms, mainly operating in the energy sector to ensure workers have the correct training to support their job role.

Managing director of ITCA, June Jones, said: "Apprenticeships are a valuable asset to a company, the training that the learners receive has a good mix of practical and written work giving the learner first hand, on the job experience. Apprenticeships give them certification for the job role that they are undertaking and a clear path for career progression."

(GK/IT)