Young people explore apprenticeships in national work-experience initiative
A new national initiative launched this week in Renfrewshire with 12 pupils from schools in the area getting real life insight into apprenticeships at local employers.
Try Something Different - Apprentice for a Day allows young people up to age 19 and care experienced people up to age 24, to spend a day shadowing an apprentice to get a taste of the work that the apprentice is involved in.
The programme has been launched as part of the Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025. The annual campaign (from 3 to 7 March) celebrates the benefits of apprenticeships to businesses, people and the economy and is co-ordinated by Skills Development Scotland (SDS).
Delivered in partnership between SDS, Developing the Young Workforce, local councils and a range of other partners, the initiative aims to help pupils build their confidence, gain hands-on experience and learn valuable work skills.
Diane Greenlees, SDS Director of National Training Programmes, said: “Work experience is incredibly valuable for young people as it offers a real insight into different industries, providing a chance to explore options and make an informed decision about their future career.”
“Try Something Different - Apprentice for a Day is another opportunity for young people to not only explore industries that interest them but to also learn about the many benefits of work-based learning from real apprentices.”
Michelle Fenwick, National Programmes Director at Developing the Young Workforce, said: “The Try Something Different - Apprentice for a Day initiative is an excellent opportunity for young people to gain invaluable insights into their potential career paths. By participating young people can experience the day-to-day workings of an apprenticeship and develop a clearer understanding of the skills needed to succeed.
“It also allows employers to showcase their commitment to nurturing future talent and building a robust and capable workforce for the future. I’d encourage more employers to get involved.”
National mentoring organisation MCR Pathways are also a supporting partner of the new initiative and Head of West Region Leader, Frazer Brown, said: “Try Something Different - Apprentice for a Day Apprentice for a day is a real life opportunity for young people to see what their future career may look like if they choose the apprenticeship pathway.
“MCR Mentors help support young people to consider all the opportunities that are available to them so that they can get a sustained positive destination after school and this initiative is another way for the young person to consider the best option for them - I hope we see it expanded out so more young people can benefit."
Renfrewshire pupils are among the first to replace a school day with work experience as a Modern Apprentice.
Employers involved in supporting the new initiative in Renfrewshire include Scottish Leather, Taylor Wimpey, Rolls Royce, Renfrewshire Council, Arnold Clark, Altrad, Malcolms, and City Gate Construction, who have all welcomed pupils for a day of work-experience this week, to shadow one of their own young apprentices.
Howden Compressors also supported the launch, having already welcomed two female pupils from Renfrew High last November, during Scottish Careers Week.
Bruce Abernethy, Head of Planning at Howden, started his own career as an apprentice with the organisation in 2010. Bruce said: “With many of our colleagues, including myself, having experienced first-hand the value of apprenticeships, we’re always looking for new opportunities to engage with young people in the local area and promote the many benefits apprenticeships bring.”
The engineering company employs 27 apprentices in Renfrewshire and are currently recruiting for 10 new apprentices to join the business.
Bruce added: “Apprentices are vital for us. They help us develop a skilled future workforce and we’re delighted to have a new opportunity to promote our own apprenticeship programme and show that we are an employer who values and sees the importance of investing in young talent.”
Ahren Wilson, a S6 pupil at Park Mains High School in Erskine, shadowed Joe Macallister, a third-year apprentice at Howden. He said: “Being an apprentice today has made me think about my future, it’s motivated me now. I’ve always wanted to be an engineer but I’ve never had any experience of it, so I wanted to come along today and have a try at it to see if I like it, and I have, so I think I’ll be applying soon.”
Diane met Bruce, Joe and Ahren at the launch of the initiative in Renfrewshire and said: “It’s fantastic to see employers supporting this new initiative and as the programme rolls out across Scotland, I’d encourage all apprentice employers to get involved. By offering that one day of work-experience, you could inspire a future career in your industry, while promoting your business and the contribution that apprentices make to it.”
Get involved
Any businesses who currently employ apprentices in Scotland can find out more about the programme and register their interest in supporting on apprenticeships.scot.
Young people can also register their interest in the work-experience initiative.