Shetland woman finds her calling through Museum Apprenticeship

A young woman from Shetland who once stepped away from university has found her dream career in a museum, thanks to a Modern Apprenticeship and a qualification earned entirely in the workplace.

Ellie Sandison, who grew up with a passion for Shetland's history, has built a career after completing the Museum Galleries Technician Modern Apprenticeship and being awarded an SVQ in Museum and Galleries Practice through Qualifications Scotland. She now works as Learning & Engagement Assistant at Shetland Museum and Archives.

Her story is one of many that illustrates how vocational qualifications and work-based learning can open doors that a traditional academic route might not, and how it is never too late to find the right path.

Ellie said: "My career path was not exactly straightforward, but all the skills I learned along the way brought me to where I am today, and I absolutely love what I do. I am grateful I didn't have to go away to university, and I was able to do work-based learning to help me grow within my role and as a person, as well as find the career which is right for me."

Ellie’s journey began after school when she started studying History at the University of the Highlands & Islands, but the combination of full-time study and work didn't suit her, and she left after her first year. A front-desk role at Shetland Museum and Archives proved to be the turning point, and helping at learning events reignited her love of history, setting her on the path towards her future career.

After her first summer at the museum, she was offered the opportunity to undertake the Museum Galleries Technician Modern Apprenticeship through Museum Galleries Scotland, beginning full-time work in September 2024 while studying towards her SVQ.

Modern Apprenticeships offer a flexible route into employment, allowing people to earn a wage while working towards a nationally recognised qualification in their chosen sector. They are available across a wide range of industries, giving learners the opportunity to develop practical skills and knowledge directly in the workplace.

Ellie particularly valued the flexibility of the apprenticeship and being able to shape her own learning around her career ambitions. "I could tailor it to the career path I wanted to go down in the museum," she said. "I decided to do the ‘Research and Catalogue Cultural Heritage’ and ‘Contribute to the Care of Items within a Cultural Venue’ units as it gave me the chance to work in parts of the museum I wouldn’t usually, as well as work with different members of the team and expand my knowledge of the sector."

Ellie also worked on practical projects including creating a focus display case within the galleries and developing the museum's Learning Collection, completing her apprenticeship in November 2025.

On completing her apprenticeship, Ellie was awarded the SVQ in Museum and Galleries Practice at SCQF Level 7, equivalent to a Higher National Certificate (HNC). She now works as Learning & Engagement Assistant, delivering sessions on Shetland's heritage with care homes, schools and community groups. The experience also reignited her academic ambitions, and she is now studying History part time through the Open University.

Robert Fraser, Liaison Manager of the Highlands, Moray, Orkney, Isle of Man, Western Isles, and Shetland at Qualifications Scotland said: “Ellie's story is a wonderful example of what work-based learning can achieve. She has shown that there is no single route to a fulfilling career, and that gaining a qualification in the workplace can be every bit as transformative as a traditional academic path. We are delighted to have played a part in her journey and wish her every success as she continues to grow in her role at Shetland Museum and Archives."