Modern Apprenticeships - Pathway
Our Modern Apprentice programme is called Pathway. It supports young people to develop practical and transferable skills, to experience real responsibilities in an interesting and diverse environment, and to identify their strengths and career ambitions.
Based in either our Dalkeith or Glasgow office, you will provide administrative support to up to four different business areas and gain practical knowledge and experience in a variety of working environments.
You will work with an in-house assessor and mentor to complete a HNC in Administration and IT, a SVQ Level 3 in Business and Administration and have opportunities to attend specific training and workshops relevant to your role.
Salary: £16,550
Hours of Work: 35 per week
Annual Leave: 27 days + public holidays
Our Modern Apprentices are a valuable addition to our teams and other roles may be available within SQA after the apprenticeship has been completed.
About us
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is Scotland’s national awarding and accreditation body. We help people realise their potential by providing a wide range of high quality, internationally-recognised qualifications.
SQA qualifications, specifically Scottish Vocational Qualifications, are an integral part of the vast majority of the Modern Apprenticeships available across Scotland. Young people who complete a Modern Apprenticeship are work-ready and able to accurately demonstrate the skills, knowledge and experience that they have developed during their training.
We’re in our sixth year of delivering our own Modern Apprenticeship programme, which gives valuable on-the-job training in a number of roles and the confidence to move on to the next stage in their development.
Working at Optima, Glasgow
Pathway Apprentices will be located at Optima, our Glasgow Office. Optima is located in the Glasgow city centre financial district and is within easy walking distance of public transport links. Over 500 staff are based here.
SQA’s offices in Glasgow are modern and open planned. There is a staff restaurant – The Optima Café - that provides subsidised meals daily. SQA is a fair trade supporter and tea/coffee provided to staff is sourced from fair trade providers. SQA's reception area displays a wide range of artworks from young Scottish artists completing National Courses in Art and Design.
We encourage our staff to lead healthy lifestyles and our Make A Change (MAC) Group provides a range of activities and exercise classes to support staff. We provide interest free loans to buy bikes. Shower facilities are available for staff who take part in exercise, jogging and cycling activities. SQA holds the prestigious Healthy Working Lives Gold Award. Events are held regularily in Optima, where you can find out lots more information about the MAC Group and other SQA Groups such as Informal (our Charity group), SQA Fair (our Fairtrade group) and information on Trade Union activities. All Pathway Apprentices are encouraged to take an active part in our social and community activities.
Working at Lowden, Dalkeith
Pathway Apprentices will be located at Lowden, our Midlothian Office. Lowden is our office in the Shawfair Business Park near Dalkeith. Over 250 staff are based here but this number increases by over 100 during the summer months when we employ temporary staff to help us with the school examination diet.
Lowden is a new office complex that was designed and built in 2011 to meet SQA’s specific business needs. It has a staff restaurant - Taste - that provides subsidised meals daily. A coffee shop is also available for drinks and snacks. Free car parking, bicycle racks and tea/coffee are provided. Our office is across the road from the Shawfair Park and Ride.
We encourage our staff to lead healthy lifestyles and our Make A Change (MAC) Group provides a range of activities and exercise classes to support staff. We provide interest free loans to buy bikes. Shower facilities are available for staff who take part in exercise, jogging and cycling activities. SQA holds the prestigious Healthy Working Lives Gold Award. There is a community space at Lowden where you can find out lots more information about the MAC Group and other SQA Groups such as Informal (our Charity group), SQA Fair (our Fairtrade group) and information on Trade Union activities. All Pathway Apprentices are encouraged to take an active part in our social and community activities.
SVQs and the Business and Administration Framework
Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) tell you exactly what you have to do in a job to do it well. They are based on National Standards which are drawn up by people from industry, commerce and education. This means that if you have an SVQ, then you have a way of proving that you can do your job well to National Standards.
SVQs are different from the qualifications you will have taken at school. There are no exams involved. You have to show us you are competent and able to do a business and administration job by gathering evidence and presenting this in a folio. Your Mentor and Assessor will help you through this process so that you are never alone or unsupported.
You can see the Business and Administration Level 3 qualifications framework online. This shows you the core units you need to complete and a range of optional units you can pick to best match your career aims and objectives. Your Assessor will help you through the process of picking units.
Making an application
Applicants must be between 16 and 19 years old. Opportunities are available in both our Dalkeith and Glasgow locations.
Please remember to include the following on your application form:
- Tell us why you would like to work with SQA.
- Describe your strengths and skills.
- Explain your goals and where you see yourself in the next three years.
Our closing date is 6 May 2018 with interviews due to commence in June 2018.
If you have any questions regarding your application, please contact our recruitment team on 0345 213 6810 or alternatively email jobs@sqa.org.uk.
We look forward to receiving your application.