Leading digital technology firm Servelec is boosting its next generation of talent through Foundation Apprenticeships.

The digital care software provider has taken on nine ICT Software Foundation Apprentices through City of Glasgow and Glasgow Clyde colleges.

The group of senior phase pupils from schools across the region are working with Servelec one day a week for 12 weeks to help gain their Foundation Apprenticeship Qualification at SCQF Level 6.

Software developers of the future

Chosen as subjects in S5 or S6, Foundation Apprenticeships at SCQF Level 6 provide school pupils with industry insight and experience of the world of work to gain a qualification at the same level as a Scottish Higher.

Delivered by learning providers in partnership with employers, knowledge gained is supported through a series of practical activities including industry projects or work placements undertaken virtually and in person.

Damian De Luca, who leads the Servelec Digital Academy, is guiding the young apprentices through their placement with this in-house talent programme that trains the software developers of the future.

Working in teams of three, the apprentices have been tasked with creating a GP booking system, including design, layout, and front-end development.

Hands-on experience

Servelec has previously delivered software skills training to pupils in Dundee, with further projects to promote digital skills amongst young people in Scotland in development as part of its corporate social responsibility work.

Damian De Luca said: “As a technology business that cares about doing the right thing, we’re really pleased to give these students this chance to gain some hands-on experience of what it’s like to work in a software business.

“We’ve got all the tools in place through our existing academy set up to help train these young people remotely in sought-after digital skills, whilst also providing a positive first experience of the work environment in these unusual times.

“It’s a pleasure to have them on board and we look forward to being part of their learning journey.”

Accessibility through Covid-19

Lisa Smith, Foundation Apprenticeship Project Manager at Glasgow Kelvin College, adds: “The opportunity to access a real work setting through placements like this is so important for our students, so we’re really pleased that Servelec is able to support them in this way, joining the ranks of over 85 businesses across our frameworks.

“Having worked at speed to ensure every student has access to an iPad to continue their learning when Covid hit, it’s great to now see them settled in their placement with Servelec and gaining valuable experience which will set them up for a bright future.”

Foundation Apprenticeships have been developed by Skills Development Scotland and supported by the European Social Fund.

Tony Minchella, Partnership and Delivery Manager at Skills Development Scotland, said: “Foundation Apprenticeships are a work-based learning opportunity for senior phase secondary pupils and are part of our drive to support young people in Scotland – helping to build the skills they’ll need to be successful when they leave school.

“By closing the gap between the classroom and the workplace, Foundation Apprenticeships give pupils a chance to get a head start on their careers, which in these times is more important than ever.

“We’re delighted to have Servelec on board, particularly as digital skills are going to be in such high demand for the next generation workforce.”

Digital Apprenticeships | Find out more

To find out how digital apprenticeships can help your business, visit apprenticeship.scot and/or Digital World.