An East Kilbride-based college celebrated success of its Foundation Apprenticeship Class of 22 .
The South Lanarkshire College acting principal, depute and college staff were joined by the South Lanarkshire Council education team, along with teachers and parents from schools across the region.
Foundation Apprenticeships are delivered successfully in South Lanarkshire through a consortium partnership between South Lanarkshire College and the council.
They provide opportunities for school pupils to engage in college study, either in a school hub or at South Lanarkshire College campus.
The apprenticeships also take S5 and S6 pupils out of classroom and into the workplace.
Young people can choose a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of their core subjects in S5 or S6 and, on completion, are awarded a Level 6 qualification, the same level as Higher.
The apprenticeship award provides school pupils with the skills employers are looking for and the experience needed to get a head start in their career.
Over one or two years school pupils attend South Lanarkshire College to learn and also spend time getting workplace experience with an employer.
Apprenticeships on offer at the include social services, healthcare, accounts and creative and digital media.
Graduate, Kayleigh Curran, said: "It has been a great day. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet with my classmates, to celebrate all our achievements.
"We have worked exceptionally hard during a difficult year and it’s great to finally be reaping the rewards.
"We have had a fantastic day and wish to thank South Lanarkshire College and South Lanarkshire Council staff for their help with our studies and for putting on this fun event."
The S6 pupil at St Andrew's and St Bride's in East Kilbride completed her apprenticeship in social services: children and young people.
She added: “I have now been accepted to Strathclyde University for September of this year. I will be studying Primary Education, proving all the hard work I have endured during my Foundation Apprenticeship has been truly worth it."
The council's youth employability coordinator, Scott McDermott, said: “Everyone at South Lanarkshire Council is delighted to celebrate the achievement of our Foundation Apprenticeship students this year, it is a real testimony to their resilience, hard work and determination.
"Our Foundation Apprenticeship programme in South Lanarkshire continues to deliver excellent learning opportunities for our pupils to reach their full potential and achieve their educational and employment aspirations.”
South Lanarkshire College acting principal, Alan Sherry, added: “All of our Foundation Apprenticeship students have worked incredibly hard throughout another very challenging year to complete courses along with their school work and progress to further study, training or employment.
"The ceremony was a celebration and I am delighted that we have been able to celebrate with the class of 2022."
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