ScotRail has taken on a second tranche of recruits for its Modern Apprenticeship in Customer Service.
The apprentices will study for an SVQ Level 2 in Customer Service, and will be encouraged to take the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award. Ahead of them lies the bright prospect of a full-time career with ScotRail.
The 18-month programme, first launched in March 2011, offers experience in three frontline customer service roles. Apprentices work in a station booking office, as a ticket examiner and as an on- board hospitality host. The scheme has been widely admired and is supported by the Scottish Parliament.
Says Steve Montgomery, ScotRail’s managing director, ‘The modern apprenticeship programme was so successful that we have decided to continue the scheme with a second group of young recruits. It is an excellent way of nurturing young talent in order to create a highly-skilled and loyal workforce.
‘The group will face many challenges over the 18 months and in return will receive first rate training and mentoring to develop their confidence and equip them with the skills to forge a successful career.’
Angela Constance, Minister for Youth Employment, is a keen supporter of the scheme. ‘Taking on a young person makes good business sense and helps employers thrive. I saw the benefits for both ScotRail and its young apprentices when I recently attended the graduation event for the first cohort of apprentices who have now completed their training,’ says Constance.
