Mentoring pilot launched to support care experienced apprentices
Skills Development Scotland and MCR Pathways have joined to launch a pilot scheme offering free mentoring to care experienced Modern Apprentices.
The initiative is open to existing apprentices and those about to start their Modern Apprenticeship who are working in the 11 local authority areas where MCR Pathways currently operates.
Those who enrol will benefit from a mentor to listen, support, and guide them as they grow in their career. Participants will also benefit from career advice, and the support will be employer backed, with sessions taking place during working hours.
This pilot was developed to improve achievement rates for care experienced Modern Apprentices and is a key recommendation of The Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board report on making apprenticeships more accessible to care experienced individuals.
In the latest Modern Apprenticeship annual statistics (April 2024 – March 2025), the share of those starting an apprenticeship identifying as care experienced was the highest on record at 2.6%, steadily rising year on year for the last four years.
Mandy Choi, Head of Engagement and Influencing at MCR Pathways said: “Starting a new role can be exciting, but it can also bring challenges. That’s why we’re encouraging eligible apprentices to take part in the MCR Pathways mentoring, which is a supportive programme designed to help those with experience of care build confidence, develop new skills, and achieve their goals.
“Employers that offer this opportunity to their apprentices will see benefits too, as participants will gain the targeted support to help them grow in their role and boost their resilience and motivation.”
Senior Equality Executive at SDS, April Robertson said: “This collaboration with MCR Pathways builds on our work to help employers develop an inclusive and sustainable workforce through apprenticeships and supports apprentices to achieve and succeed.”
Starting a new role can be exciting, but it can also bring challenges. That’s why we’re encouraging eligible apprentices to take part in the MCR Pathways mentoring, which is a supportive programme designed to help those with experience of care build confidence, develop new skills, and achieve their goals.
Mandy Choi
Head of Engagement and Influencing, MCR Pathways
To access the free mentoring, Modern Apprentices should be employed within the following regions:
- Glasgow
- Edinburgh (City of Edinburgh Council area)
- Aberdeen (Aberdeen City Council area)
- Highland (Highland Council area)
- Falkirk
- Clackmannanshire
- Inverclyde
- North Ayrshire
- South Lanarkshire
- Argyll and Bute
- East Dunbartonshire
Get more information
Modern Apprentices who would like more information on MCR Pathways mentoring can contact MCR Pathways Engagement Officer, Jordyn Graham at engagement@mcrpathways.org
Employers who would like more information can contact Mandy Choi, MCR Pathways Head of Engagement and Influencing at mandy.choi@mcrpathways.org