Transformative training breaks down barriers and changes lives for Modern Apprentices
A Glasgow learning provider is breaking down barriers to education and transforming lives one apprenticeship at a time.
From working with young people involved in the justice system to supporting refugees as they forge a new path in Scotland, M I Technologies’ inclusive culture and people-first approach ensures everyone can reach their full potential.
Led by Managing Director Stuart Leitch, M I Technologies has delivered up to 10,000 Modern Apprenticeships since the launch of the programme in 1995.
Working with small businesses to national operators, M I Technologies currently supports 450 Modern Apprenticeships across business and administration, care services leadership, engineering, hospitality, facilities and social services healthcare.
The provider works with a wide range of candidates across Scotland including people living in areas of higher deprivation, from the refugee community and with experience of the justice system.
M I Technologies’ Operations Manager Alison Roberts said: “Everyone deserves access to education, and we take a personal and flexible approach where apprenticeships are shaped around individuals.”
In partnership with UK charity Kibble, M I Technologies worked with a teenager in Kibble’s secure care, a facility for young people who’ve faced significant challenges in life.
Alison said: “The young person got permission to do a Modern Apprenticeship in hospitality before release, with our assessor visiting every two weeks.
“The apprenticeship was life changing, and the young person was so grateful for the opportunity, which gave them a fresh start. We now have another young person about to start an apprenticeship.”
With partner East Renfrewshire Council, M I Technologies worked with a Syrian refugee on a hospitality Modern Apprenticeship.
Alison said: “The apprentice was a keen home cook and wanted to work, learn and get a professional qualification. We arranged a translator, who also helped them with learning English. They felt their life had transformed and felt empowered to support other refugees.
“Also with the council, we worked with a wheelchair user on a professional cookery apprenticeship. We supported the restaurant in covering risk assessments for kitchen work and adapted the space, including lowering work surfaces.”
M I Technologies also works with candidates from postcodes with high levels of disadvantage and people from rural communities, including Stornoway, where travel is an issue.
Alison added: “Apprenticeships open doors. Seeing apprentices start new journeys is, for me, our greatest achievement.”
The provider is driving diversity by attracting more women and men into sectors like engineering and childcare.
Alison explained: “One of our childcare employers, High Flyers, didn’t have any male staff, as childcare can often be a female-oriented industry. After supporting with recruitment, they’ve taken on three male Modern Apprentices.
“An engineering employer, Langfields in Fife, advertised for a role where all 78 applications were male. We’ll soon host a recruitment workshop for women to promote engineering careers.”
With learners’ needs at the forefront, M I Technologies’ Equality of Access to Assessment Policy offers a Modified Assessment Plan, agreed with the employer, for any apprentice who may need additional assistance and to identify obstacles to learning.
Currently, 38% of apprentices face challenges, including dyslexia or dyspraxia, nightshift work, mental or physical health conditions and English as a second language.
Alison said: “We are supportive of apprentices with barriers to progress, encouraging open and honest discussion, and sensitively involving employers.”
Assessors meet candidates and employers at referral to review prior learning and goals. Candidates can sample a unit first, take a diagnostic test to identify learning style and complete a skills scan to select the right level and options. Progress reports flag those who are behind and with no time limit, candidates are supported until completion.
Employers also benefit from an induction, guidance on qualifications and core/meta skills, and identifying mentors, resulting in high satisfaction with the service.
Apprenticeships are working for Scotland by creating careers and enabling people to reach their potential, supporting employers to develop and grow their workforce and getting real returns for the economy.
There are currently around 12,000 apprentice employers in Scotland, investing in over 40,000 Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprentices.
Alison said: “Most, if not all, of the industries we support have an ageing workforce or difficulty in maintaining qualified staff levels. Apprenticeship employers send a strong message that they’re investing in their staff and developing the Scottish workforce.”
For apprentices, it shows a ladder of progression.
Alison added: “Apprenticeships allow people of all ages to secure a nationally recognised qualification while working and earning a wage or salary, and it strengthens their resilience in the wider job market.”
M I Technologies is a finalist in the Leading in Learning Provision category at this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in association with SP Energy Networks.
The awards take place on 26 February as the launch event for Scottish Apprenticeship Week (2 to 6 March).
Find out more about the award finalists and the event by visiting apprenticeships.scot/awards
