Modern Apprentice (MA) Case Study

Modern Apprentice (MA) Case Study Adam Stevenson

1. What did you do before the Modern Apprenticeship Programme?

I left school in 2012 after fifth year and did a pre-apprentice course in Mechanical Engineering at Clydebank College. While I was there I saw an article about the shortage of skilled IT staff such as programmers and that started me looking for relevant courses in this area as my next step instead of Mechanical Engineering. In 2013 I applied for a one year, Higher National Certificate course in Interactive Media at Anniesland College and completed this in 2014.

2. Tell us about why you applied to be a Modern Apprentice (MA) in Scotland?

I was keen to start earning but also wanted to continue learning and build up my qualifications and experience especially in web design and development. While I was job hunting for apprenticeships I saw the Creative and Digital Modern Apprenticeship offered by NHSScotland.

3. What did you do in your MA Programme?

On the work side I did a lot of graphic design, creating illustrations and artwork for e-learning modules and printed flyers. I attended client meetings for design briefs. Initially my line manager accompanied me but then I mostly went on my own. I also did work in video – filming and editing. Some of the video work was with another Modern Apprentice who had joined the programme a year before me.

In College I had to complete 12 units covering a variety of topics including: health and safety; working with digital media; identify sources of information and present findings; develop my own personal practice in the Creative

1 industries; work effectively with others in the creative industries; record and edit audiovisual journalistic material; prepare for and conduct interviews in the Creative industries; use digital and social media in marketing campaigns; present ideas and information to others in the Creative industries; and Freelancer in the Creative industries.

The teaching took place at the Young Scot offices in Edinburgh each Wednesday. It also included a number of assignments together with lots of practical experience supporting the learning units. For example, some of us helped out at the Young Scot Awards in 2015. This involved taking photography, conducting interviews on the red carpet and time back stage to see how it all came together. We also had talks from actors about the processes of filming and directing. And for one assignment we had to do vox pops in the park!

Each learning unit I completed was reviewed by a lecturer from Glasgow Kelvin College and I would receive feedback on my progress. Also every second week, all the MAs would meet as a group with the course coordinator to discuss where we were at and to give feedback on the different units. Mostly I was able to set my own deadlines for specific units provided they were within the timescales set by the course coordinator.

4. When did you finish - and what have you done since then?

I finished the MA Programme in August 2015 and my contract was extended until October 2015 after which I was fortunate to be offered a permanent position as Digital Administration Support. My duties include graphic design as before as well as elearning asset creation (icons, illustrations, headers and home page design), certificates, technical support for web services, web design and web development (programming).

My line manager also encourages me to expand my knowledge and skills. I go to Lynda.com and undertake various tutorials covering InDesign, Photoshop and web development.

5. What was the best thing about the MA Programme?

2 The best thing about being an MA was learning, gaining a qualification and being paid at the same time! I enjoyed attending college and meeting new people and the practical experience I gained from the assignments.

I’ve also gained more confidence from doing the MA and have been able to buy my first car with some of my earnings.

6. What would you change?

I would not make any changes.

7. What are you plans for the future? (Study related, skills or experience related, job related etc)

I plan to take what I have learned and build on it and use those skills and experience to advance my career. I would ideally like to work overseas in the future, possible Australia.

8. What advice would you give to young people considering their career options?

Take the time to think about what you would like to do. Ask other people, careers agencies, family and friends. Create an online profile on LinkedIn. If interested in Digital, create an online portfolio where you can host examples of your work, designs etc.

9. What do you think of NES as a place to work?

I really enjoy working here. Everyone is very supportive and helpful.