UHI West Highland – Supporting Scottish Apprenticeship Week

Did you know that UHI West Highland has supported over 80 employees to achieve Modern Apprenticeship and SVQ quali cations through work-based learning in the past year?

at’s apprentices working for companies of all sizes across a range of sectors including aquaculture, business, hospitality, social services, healthcare and childcare. All working towards nationally recognised quali cations while not missing a day of work.

Modern Apprenticeships o er the opportunity to gain highly quali ed and skilled sta tailored to your business needs. It’s an investment in your company’s future growth, competitiveness and sustainability.

Our team is proud to celebrate Scottish Apprenticeship Week and shine a light on the vital role apprenticeships play in supporting people, businesses and the economy of our communities. We’re particularly keen to work with local employers to see how we can make apprenticeship delivery more sustainable through more localised training, digital technology and reduced travel for apprentices. Get in touch to nd out how we can support your business and your apprentice every step of the way.

To nd out more please contact Nigel Patterson on 01397 874241 or email workbasedlearning.whc@uhi.ac.uk

Apprentice pro le

Sarah Macdonald joined Mowi, working as a sh farm technician, in 2019. Mowi encouraged her to become a Modern Apprentice and she has now completed SVQ Aquaculture level 2. Sarah is now Manager of the Mowi sh farm at Scalpay, Isle of Skye.

“I believe that in this job you get out what you put in and I’ve been lucky enough to have the support of some great colleagues along the way. Through my work with Mowi, I moved from Uist to Skye which really pushed me and prepared me for the role of Assistant Manager at Scalpay. My manager at Scalpay was very proactive in getting the assessor from UHI West Highland out so that I could complete my SVQ. He also took the time to show me the ropes on site management and the administrative side of farming. It is a big jump from Assistant Manager to Manager but I made it and it’s been so rewarding, especially when you see big, healthy salmon at the end of the cycle.” Farm manager at just 26 years old and with her SVQ Level 2 in Aquaculture under her belt, Sarah is keen to encourage school pupils to consider a similar career path.