Tell us a bit about you?
I’m 27 years old and I live in Edinburgh. My hobbies include reading, painting and singing.
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What is your current job and what does it involve?
My current role is working as an Appointments Manager for the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland (JABS) which is a non-departmental public body based in Edinburgh.
My role involves managing recruitment competitions for panels made up of Board members, which include judicial, legal and lay members who work independently from the Scottish Government. The post involves, advertising roles, shortlisting candidates, scheduling interviews and recommending individuals for appointment to Scottish Ministers.
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What attracted you to apply for an apprenticeship?
Throughout primary and high school I struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia, I had difficult family circumstances and I didn’t achieve the grades I was capable of. I remember being often distracted and indifferent to my future – of all the various subjects you could study, nothing felt right to me.
I tried college and working in retail, but the passion I should have had wasn’t there, then in 2016 a friend recommended that I consider a Modern Apprenticeship.
I was hesitant at first as I thought I might not have the right skills and qualities to achieve a qualification, but when I looked at what the apprenticeship course involved, I realised the assessments were mainly practical.
It gave me the courage I needed to apply for a few roles and on my fourth attempt I was invited for an interview. I was nervous on the day but gave it my best shot and subsequently got the job.
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How did you hear about apprenticeships at the Scottish Government?
I had previously heard about Modern Apprenticeships through career fairs at my high school, and later from a friend who recommended it. I was attracted to the benefits offered at the Scottish Government such as public holidays, flexi time, job security, a generous holiday allowance, good pension and of course the salary, which was very competitive.
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When did you start your apprenticeship and what type was it?
The initial role I secured was a Business Administrator post in HR Resourcing. My apprenticeship qualification was an SVQ level 2 in Business Administration (equivalent to Level 5 SCQF).
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What stage are you at now, have you completed the apprenticeship?
I successfully completed my apprenticeship in 2019, and I have held 3 posts since, gaining 2 promotions. After initially working in HR Resourcing, I moved on to working for the Early Talent Team. I secured my first promotion taking on a role in the Planning and Architecture Division, later progressing to my current role working for the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland.
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What did you learn from the experience of being an apprentice?
The apprenticeship completely changed my life. It was a real lifeline at a time where I felt lost with no feasible options for a successful career. I honestly don’t know where I would be without this opportunity to develop my skills – skills that I previously had no confidence or belief in.
Apprenticeships are great for those of us who are capable, but have not yet had the chance to prove it, who bring different points of view, who learn in different ways and who have untapped skills and abilities.
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What has been your highlight or biggest achievement since joining the Scottish Government?
My biggest achievement since joining the Scottish Government was finding out that I had helped inspire a colleague to apply for a Modern Apprenticeship. Knowing I had changed someone’s career path and finding out that they were doing well and were happy in their role was an extremely rewarding and fulfilling moment.
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What are your ambitions for the future?
Before completing my Modern Apprenticeship I would have not had an answer for this, but now I feel like I am capable of anything. The new me would not recognise who I used to be. My ambition is to keep progressing and learning, to follow my passion for operational roles and to develop new skills, confident in what I have to offer.
Instead of questioning if I could fill senior roles, I ask myself, why not me and why not now?
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What does a typical working day look like for you now?
A typical day involves project planning and ensuring recruitment processes and procedures are taking place on time and in accordance with legislation and our policies. I work with members of my business team and JABS Board Members.
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What do you think is the best thing about working in the public sector?
The best thing about working for the public sector is how rewarding it feels to provide high quality services for the people of Scotland.
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Would you recommend undertaking an apprenticeship at the Scottish Government?
Yes, there are no qualification requirements and the job offers you an opportunity to really learn and grow your skills, while working alongside experienced individuals.
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What career advice would you give your younger self?
There is nothing that you can’t understand with a clear explanation. We all learn in different ways, so don’t be afraid to ask for a concept to be shared in a different format, be that written (emails, reports), visual (diagrams, practical) or verbal (1-1 or group discussions).
People will respect you when you are aware of your strengths and weaknesses, it’s not something to be ashamed of. It’s only when you try that you learn what your capabilities are.