Celebrating Scottish Apprenticeship Week at OHAL

4-3-2020 10:23

This year we are celebrating the ongoing success that the modern apprentice programme has brought to OHAL.

To date at OHAL we’ve had 5 people participate in the Modern Apprenticeship, 2 of which have taken up permanent roles with us as customer services assistants.

Leanne Omand started in 2015 as one of our first Modern Apprentices and has now completed her SVQ level 3. Being part of the programme gave Leanne the skills and support to take on her current role working with applicants applying for housing, providing support to other members of staff and assisting visitors and callers to the office. “It’s been great having the stability of a permanent full time job, as it has allowed me move out and gain my own independence. I also passed my driving test at the start of this year and bought my own car, which has given me even more independence as I no longer need to rely on others or the local buses!”

Aimee Leask began as a Modern Apprentice in 2017 and has recently attended the careers fair at Stromness Academy to talk to the students about the opportunities available at OHAL. Speaking of her experience of the apprentice programme and how it helped her to secure a Customer Services Assistant role – “I was happy to speak to pupils about the apprenticeship as it is a great opportunity to gain work experience alongside a qualification.”

Shannon Tait joined the Association in 2018 – “Since joining OHAL as a Modern Apprentice, I have been able to complete and gain a qualification whilst currently working towards my next one. Without this opportunity, I would not be where I am today nor would I have the skills and experience to gain employment in an office. This opportunity has allowed me to learn new skills, undergo valuable training and achieve new qualifications that will inevitably help for my future. If anyone is in the same position that I was in with little experience or skills to work in an office, a Modern Apprenticeship will help immensely by preparing you for your future and help gain experience in an administrative role.”

Pictured L to R Shannon Tait, Leanne Omand & Aimee Leask.