From apprenticeship to career in artificial intelligence

A young man from Aberdeenshire who began his career journey with a workplace qualification while still at school, has gone on to become the Head of AI and Data at his workplace. His journey demonstrates how an apprenticeship can open doors to some of today’s most sought-after careers.

Kai Henderson completed a Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Skills through Aberdeenshire Council, gaining numerous Qualifications Scotland qualifications, including a National Progression Award (NPA) in Business Skills, and a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Business and Administration. What began as an opportunity to gain workplace experience alongside his school studies became the first step in a journey of learning and career progression.

The Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Skills combines classroom learning with real industry experience. Kai's learning included NPA units covering spreadsheets, word processing, contemporary business issues, understanding business, and management of people and finance, alongside SVQ units in areas such as communication, collaboration, document production and workplace performance. Together, these gave him a grounding in both the theory and practice of working life.

Kai said, 'I chose the Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Skills because I wanted to gain experience of the workplace while still at school and develop skills that would help me in my future career. The apprenticeship gave me valuable insight into how organisations operate and helped me develop confidence, communication skills and professionalism.

'The experience helped me understand the opportunities available through apprenticeships and gave me a strong foundation for future progression. Looking back, the Foundation Apprenticeship was the starting point of a journey that led me through a Modern Apprenticeship and Graduate Apprenticeship and ultimately into my current role as Head of AI and Data.'

Kai recommends the route he took to others too. He explains, 'The skills and experience I gained during my Foundation Apprenticeship continue to benefit me today and helped me develop the confidence to pursue opportunities that I might not otherwise have considered. I think the pathway through the apprenticeships, starting with the Foundation Apprenticeship, is a brilliant route.

'Not only have I been able to gain knowledge and skills, but I was able to get real and meaningful experience from joining a team in a working environment which nowadays I feel is invaluable to young people.'

After completing his Foundation Apprenticeship, Kai progressed onto a Modern Apprenticeship and then a Graduate Apprenticeship. The transferable skills he developed early on - problem-solving, professional working practices and an understanding of employer expectations - gave him a strong platform to build on as his career took him into the specialist fields of data science and artificial intelligence.

Laurence Findlay, Director of Education & Children’s Services at Aberdeenshire Council said, 'Kai's journey demonstrates the transformative potential of apprenticeships. His progression from Foundation Apprenticeship to Modern Apprenticeship and Graduate Apprenticeship, provides a compelling example of how Scotland can develop future talent through structured, employer-led learning. His success shows the value of a connected skills system that enables learners to earn, learn and progress while meeting the current and future needs of employers.'

Foundation Apprenticeships are available to school pupils across a wide range of sectors and offer a flexible route into employment, further study or further apprenticeships. They allow learners to earn a nationally recognised qualification while gaining the practical experience and skills that employers value, helping them make more informed decisions about their future.

Kai's story is a reminder that there are many routes to a rewarding career. For young people weighing up their options, a Foundation Apprenticeship can be the first stage of a journey that leads further than they might imagine.