Renfrewshire Council

Throughout this week we'll share stories from our modern and graduate apprentices highlighting the benefits of workplace learning and how we're helping them to thrive. Lets begin with our modern apprentices.

We offer modern apprenticeships across a range of frameworks including business and administration, construction trades (joinery, plumbing and electrical), early years, horticulture, housing and regulatory services, and hope to be able to add youth services in the next month. In the last year, 37 new modern apprentices have begun their apprenticeship journey here at the Council.

Meet Aimee - Business and Administration Modern Apprentice
 

Aimee Drysdale is in the first few months of her 12-month apprenticeship and works in our ICT department based at Renfrewshire House.
 

What inspired you to choose a modern apprenticeship in business and administration?
I had worked in hospitality for seven years, but there was only so much that I could do to progress. So, I saw the apprenticeship as a way to move into a new field and to get to where I wanted to be. I also knew it would challenge me and I wanted to see how well I could do in this field of work.
 
What you will be doing throughout your apprenticeship and how this is helping you develop your career? 
I have been working closely with internal customers. I am involved in the approval process and offer solutions for software, hardware and approve different elements of ICT kit requirements. I offer support and advice as best as I can and try to help colleagues understand some of the technology and jargon used. Working in this new role has really helped me to feel more comfortable and confident and it has improved my health and wellbeing. 

What has been the highlight of your apprenticeship? 
The real highlight for me has been my progress meetings, as I am getting great feedback both in terms of where I am doing well but also areas where I can improve. This is done in a very supportive manner. I really feel my views are listened to and that the colleagues who are supporting me care about me and my development. 

Is there any advice you would give to anyone considering an apprenticeship?
You have to be prepared to give your all and push yourself every day. I can tell from experience that the more you put in the more you will get back. Also, ensure you keep track of the work you have done and the experience you have gained, as this will really help you as you progress. 

Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
I would love to see myself as a permanent employee here at the Council and being thought of as an effective colleague and a valuable asset. I would want to have grasped any development opportunities came my way so that I can keep testing myself and to see how far I can go while supporting all the great work we do as a local authority. 

Find out more about Modern Apprenticeships

Graduate Apprenticeships

Moving on to our graduate apprenticeship programme, we provide opportunities for colleagues to study towards a relevant degree while working in your current job. Graduate apprenticeships are available to council staff and most are offered through Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). 

Meet Georgia - Lead Officer (Open Spaces & Parks) and former Graduate Apprentice
 

Georgia Bell is one of four colleagues who completed a graduate apprenticeship with the council in 2024. She works in our Neighbourhood Services team based at Underwood Road Depot. 
 

Why did you choose a graduate apprenticeship (GA)? 
I chose to pursue a graduate apprenticeship in Business Management during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021 as I saw it as a great opportunity to use my free time productively. With so much uncertainty at the time, investing in my professional development felt like a positive step forward. It allowed me to continue building my skills, knowledge and network whilst working from home, which was a perfect balance for me.

What did you learn during your GA and how this is helping you in your career? 
The GA in Business Management with Glasgow Caledonian University covers a wide range of subjects, including project and risk management, marketing and brand management, finance, business ethics, business law, strategy, and leadership. The programme combines academic learning with practical work-based experience, and I was able to directly apply the theories and concepts I learned throughout the course modules to real-life scenarios within the Council. This approach not only enhanced my understanding but also allowed me to make more valuable contributions in my role. As a result, the skills and knowledge I gained throughout the degree played a huge part in helping me secure a promotion to Lead Officer last year, further advancing my career.

What has been the highlight of your GA? 
One of the standout moments of my GA journey was graduating with first-class honours. It was a proud achievement made even more special by being awarded both the Best Student and Best Dissertation awards. These recognitions were a reflection of the hard work and dedication I put into the programme, and they reinforced my confidence in my abilities as I continue to grow in my career.

Is there any advice you would give to anyone considering a graduate apprenticeship?
If you're thinking about a GA in Business Management and it aligns with your career goals, my biggest piece of advice would be to focus on 'balance'. Juggling work, study, and personal time can be challenging, so creating a schedule that accommodates both work commitments and assignment deadlines, whilst also factoring in some downtime, is so important. Don't be afraid to push yourself either - apply the knowledge you gain from the course to real-life work situations and look for opportunities to take on additional responsibilities within your role for more experience. Be proactive, ask for feedback from your manager, mentor, and university tutors, and use their guidance to help with your assignments and day to day tasks at work. Ultimately, combining real-world experience with academic learning sets a strong foundation for your future career

What's next for you?
I'm committed to building on the foundation my GA has given me, and I'm excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as I continue to learn and take on new challenges. Looking ahead, I'm focused on continuing my professional development and gaining all the skills and experience needed to move into a more senior management position in the next few years. 

Find out more about Graduate Apprenticeships. Representatives from UWS will be at Renfrewshire House on Tuesday 4 March to chat about their graduate apprenticeship programme and the courses on offer this year. Pop along to the Atrium between 11am - 2pm to find out more about the support, mentoring and funding available. 

Look out for more apprentice stories later in the week.

Published on Monday 3 March 2025