Over 90 SSE employees based across Scotland are celebrating after achieving Modern Apprenticeships in Management, Customer Service and Business and Administration.
The apprenticeships provide employees with work-based vocational training to improve skills and knowledge in their specific field. They also provide transferable ‘soft skills’ including communication, teamwork, numerical and problem solving.
The hard working employees are based right across the SSE business, including Customer Service, Power Systems, Training and Home Services departments.
Angela Nicol, SSE Training Manager, is delighted with the success of the Modern Apprenticeship programme.
She said: “Our Modern Apprenticeship programme is going from strength to strength. Since 2009 almost 1,000 SSE employees have either completed or are currently working towards a Modern Apprenticeship qualification which is testament to an effective programme and the candidates’ hard work and dedication.
“Many employees have not only enhanced their careers through the scheme but many have also progressed through the ranks to achieve senior manager positions. The Modern Apprenticeship programme is an essential part of SSE’s commitment to employees’ personal development and we’re confident that our recruitment drive for this year’s intake will also be a great success.”
The candidates complete their Modern Apprenticeships through a mixture of work-based assignments as well as home study and are mentored throughout the course by a fully trained Modern Apprenticeship advisor. The qualifications are made up of traditional SVQ plus additional core skill and enhancement units.
Danielle Lumsden, 22, from Perth, is one of the youngest SSE employees to complete the Management qualification.
She added: “Although the year of studying was tough and a lot of hard work, I’m really pleased to have completed it. I’ve worked at SSE for six years now and it’s important for me to be given the opportunity to develop my skills and help grow my confidence to work at a manager level. This qualification suited me perfectly as it enables you to get the time to dedicate to study but also bring it to life with challenging work-based exercises.”
Picture shows some of the candidates who have completed the Modern Apprenticeship qualifications. Left to right: Gavin Mackintosh, Jamie Henderson, Angie Richmond, Ashleigh Clark, Nick Findlay, Danielle Lumsden, Innes Mackintosh and Cheryl Addley.