Modern Apprentices look ahead to 2026 with optimism

North Ayrshire Council’s newest group of Modern Apprentices have begun their journey with confidence and enthusiasm, coming together this week for a celebratory Meet and Greet event at council headquarters.

The event marked the official start of the apprenticeship journey for 60 young people, bringing together apprentices from across North Ayrshire who are taking their first steps into long‑term careers while earning and learning at the same time.

Held in the council’s newly refurbished training facilities, the Meet and Greet provided apprentices with the opportunity to meet peers, connect with staff and learn more about the support available to them throughout their apprenticeship.

The day helped create a strong sense of community, allowing apprentices to build relationships and feel part of the wider council workforce from the very beginning.

The Modern Apprenticeship programme supports young people aged 16 to 19 to develop skills, gain industry‑recognised qualifications, and build meaningful workplace experience across a wide range of council services

Apprentices earn a wage while learning, combining on‑the‑job training with structured study delivered through college or university, depending on the pathway. This blended approach ensures apprentices gain both practical experience and formal qualifications that prepare them for long‑term employment.

North Ayrshire Council currently offers more than 20 Modern Apprenticeship pathways, reflecting the breadth of services provided across the organisation. These include opportunities in areas such as:

• Early Years
• Business Administration
• Civil Engineering
• Horticulture
• Housing
• Health and Social Care
• Youth Work

This variety allows young people to explore careers that match their interests, strengths and ambitions, while contributing directly to services that support local communities.

The Modern Apprenticeship programme plays a vital role in supporting young people across North Ayrshire into sustained employment. The programme’s impact is clear, with 86% of Modern Apprentices securing work at the end of their apprenticeship.

Many continue their careers within the council, while others progress into further study or employment elsewhere, equipped with valuable skills, qualifications and experience gained during their apprenticeship

North Ayrshire Council recruits Modern Apprentices twice a year, with vacancies advertised in April and August. All opportunities are promoted through the My Job Scotland website, giving young people clear access to available roles.

By offering Modern Apprenticeships, North Ayrshire Council continues to invest in the future workforce, providing young people with pathways into meaningful careers while supporting the delivery of high‑quality public services.

For the current intake, the journey has just begun, and as they look ahead to 2026, there is a strong sense of optimism, ambition and opportunity.