Shmu hosts Aberdeenshire Council apprenticeship media event

Shmu’s HQ in Woodside, Aberdeen, hosted Aberdeenshire Council’s media announcement that over 300 pupils from the area’s secondary schools have gained Foundation Apprenticeships. The event was held on Tuesday 4th August.

As an SQA-accredited centre, shmu played an integral role by helping deliver Foundation Apprenticeships to 40 young people from four schools. 

Foundation Apprenticeships are aimed at senior pupils and combine learning in class with a related work placement in which they also hone their professional skills. It is equivalent to a Higher, with many universities, colleges and workplaces counting it as an A pass at Higher or even two Highers towards entry requirements.

Chief Executive Murray Dawson explained: “I’m absolutely delighted for all the young people who have worked so hard in such testing times over the last year – they can be rightfully proud of their fantastic achievements. It’s been a pleasure to work in partnership with the schools and the Council to develop and deliver these innovative and progressive courses. They are making a real difference to young people as can be seen by the opportunities those who have taken part in our courses have gone on to take up. Well done everyone.”

Megan Kelly from Westhill Academy gained a lot from studying Creative Digital Media directly with the team at shmu. She commented: “There’s a lot of teamwork in the course and you are working together with people you wouldn’t normally speak to which gets you to learn different skills, including communication and leadership. I really enjoy the production side – filming, making radio shows – so I applied to Media Production and Analysis at NESCol and because of this course I have actually been offered a place on that course which is amazing.”  

Josh Thompson (pictured), from Portelethen Academy, worked with the team at shmu as part of a new pilot programme working up to the full Foundation Apprenticeship said: “In 4th year of academy the chance to do an apprenticeship at shmu came up. I wasn’t sure what doing a course at shmu would be like, but I really enjoyed it, and I’m hoping to go back. The people there were so nice and the environment was chill, somewhere to be yourself, have fun and also get a qualification.”

Josh’s mum, Cheryl Grant added: “When the suggestion of going to shmu came up, Josh wasn’t sure if he would like it, but he took the chance to give it a go. As a result, Josh really flourished during his course with shmu. He was motivated to attend and continued to finish his qualification despite the COVID19 impact. The people and trainers at shmu made such an impact on Josh that he is hoping to go back and do another qualification. There is no doubt that this opportunity and style of learning has been a hugely positive experience for Josh, something as a family we are delighted he has participated in.”

The announcement at shmu HQ offered media the opportunity to speak to Cllr Gillian Owen, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee, Vincent Docherty, Aberdeenshire Council’s Head of Education, Aberdeenshire Council’s Developing the Young Workforce team, shmu staff and some of the young people who had gained a Foundation Apprenticeship.

Find out more about Foundation Apprenticeships here.