ASLEF Drives Forward Modern Apprenticeships

ASLEF has successfully negotiated a new Modern Apprenticeship in

Customer Services for school leavers with First ScotRail. This will be First ScotRail’s first recruitment drive for school leavers since the rail industry was privatised.

This Modern Apprenticeship programme is a partnership between ASLEF, Skills Development Scotland and First ScotRail.

Skills Development Scotland has provided funding towards the training costs of the apprentices.

The recruitment drive will see 12 new Modern Apprenticeship posts created. The young people who undertake this opportunity to earn and learn over an 18-month period will, upon successful completion of their Modern Apprenticeships, gain guaranteed permanent posts with First ScotRail.

In addition to undertaking the SVQ Level 2 Modern Apprenticeship in Customer Services, the apprentices will also embark on a Duke of Edinburgh Award which will provide them with the opportunity to work directly with communities and go on an outward-bound team building course.

ASLEF will also utilise the Rail Union Learning Centre at Stow College to provide the apprentices with career building skills such as CV writing, completing job applications and interview skills. Jim Baxter, ASLEF Project Worker, said, “We see this not only as a benefit to the apprentices and the trade unions within the rail industry, but also to the rail industry itself.”

For information on Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland, contact Tommy Breslin, Development Officer, at tbreslin@stuc.org.uk

www.scottishunionlearning.com/apprenticeships