Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025 As part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, running from 3rd – 7th March 2025, we are spotlighting the commitment and learning of our Modern Apprenticeships across the country. With 34 Modern Apprentices currently enrolled, the programme gives those looking to pursue or develop a career in health and social care the opportunity to gain a sector-recognised qualification whilst working in a paid role. The week is co-ordinated by Skills Development Scotland to demonstrate the value apprenticeships bring to individuals, employers and the Scottish economy. This year’s theme is ‘Made for Business’ with the aim of demonstrating the benefits apprenticeships bring to business. You can find out more at apprenticeships.scot "As we celebrate Modern Apprenticeship Week 2025, it is more important than ever to recognise and promote the development of our colleagues who are part of our Modern Apprenticeship Programme. Overseen by Skills Development Scotland the programme is under-pinned by a set of meta-skills with a focus on areas such as self-management, social intelligence and innovation. These skills are critical in forging a successful career in the 21st century and are the foundation of lifelong learning and adaptability, enabling our colleagues are able to thrive in any environment. They empower apprentices to not only acquire technical expertise but also to cultivate the resilience, creativity, and critical thinking needed to excel in their careers. At Cornerstone, we believe that nurturing these meta-skills is essential for the holistic development of our apprentices, ensuring they are well-prepared to face the challenges and opportunities of an ever-changing world. Our Modern Apprentices are set to become future leaders in the care sector as they embark on a journey of personal growth, learning, and meaningful impact. A Modern Apprenticeship is an excellent route through which to pursue and develop a career in health and social care. It allows candidates to invest in their own continuous learning and development, whilst keeping up to date with the latest skills, techniques and regulations. Importantly it also allows people to convert their on-the-job, practical experience into a formal, recognised and required qualification." Sheila Gordon Training Academy Lead Since the scheme was launched in 2011, we have trained a total of 174 Modern Apprenticeships, with a further 34 colleagues currently working towards their qualification. We put a series of questions to some our Modern Apprentices to get their views on Apprenticeship programmes and how they have helped them to develop their meta-skills. Gabe Balogh Gabe is completing his Modern Apprenticeship in SVQ Social Services. This will be his first Scottish Qualification since moving from Slovakia in 2020. Nikitta Miller Nikitta works with Cornerstone’s Community Support Service in North Lanarkshire. She is 24 years old and has worked in social care for over seven years, joining Cornerstone in October 2023. Nikitta is currently undertaking the Modern Apprenticeship Programme and doing an SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF Level 7. Nicole Johnstone This is Nicole's first social care job, she has recently passed probation and is doing a fantastic job with a really promising future in social care. Nicole is our youngest ever apprentice, starting the programme at 16 years old in community support. Nicole now works in housing support and is keen to develop. Christianah Bamigboye Christianah’s previous home was Nigeria before moving to Scotland. She carried out voluntary work caring in Nigeria and when she first came to Scotland. She started working for Cornerstone just over a year ago and is passionate about caring. She would like to carry on studying once she gains her Modern Apprenticeship. Ellen Feerick Ellen has a great range of experience across social care and business roles. She wanted to gain a qualification relevant to her role. Manage Cookie Preferences