Scottish 16–19-year-olds will receive a careers boost under a new apprenticeship ambassador programme from UK tech skills provider QA.

The scheme is designed to help young people better understand the options open to them when it comes to the next steps in their education and first steps in their careers.

It will also help break down common misconceptions around technology careers.

QA research undertaken in 2021 showed that 60% of 16–24-year-olds believe you need a university education to start a career in technology, while one in five would consider a role in tech if they could hear from more diverse role models.

Under the programme, an initial 15 tech apprentices aged 16-25, twelve female and three males, will work across all Scottish local authority areas, attending more than 100 events in the first year engaging audiences at schools, community and youth groups and business conferences.

From January 2020 to January 2022, the Scottish tech sector grew just 2.1%, according to labour market data provider Lightcast. In the same period vacancies in tech-related fields increased by a massive 77%.

With Scottish businesses faced with an ever-widening digital skills gap, apprenticeships provide a way to develop a sustainable pipeline of immediate and future talent.

Despite a record year in 2021/22 with more than 1,200 QA apprentices starting on technology and digital-focused programmes, supply isn’t meeting demand when it comes to apprenticeships.

While QA has seen an increase in businesses looking to attract apprentices over the past year, the number of candidate applications has remained static.

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David Cunningham, QA Apprenticeship Ambassador Programme Lead, said: “I know what it’s like for young people who might not be aware of the paths open to them but know they have the potential to succeed. When I was at school I struggled academically.

“As a result, the support to access my dream career was lacking. By launching our apprenticeship ambassador programme, we want to empower as many young people as possible to take ownership of their future. Being an apprentice is an amazing way to start a successful and well-paid career in technology.”

Hannah Telford, Risk and Controls Analyst at NatWest is one of the 15 ambassadors. She commented: “As an apprentice I’ve learned invaluable knowledge, skills and experience that have set me up for the rest of my career and given me the confidence to believe in my own ability.

“While some young people might be aware of apprenticeships, they may be daunted or unclear as to what they actually entail. I’m constantly asked about my experience, and I can’t wait to help other school leavers understand how an apprenticeship can benefit them, allowing them to earn a salary and take their first steps on the career ladder, and realise their full potential.”

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