Chloe set to sparkle live
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Chloe Aitken, who has qualified from Modern Apprenticeship with an SVQ level 3 dental nursing at 8to8 Dental, will be broadcast on Facebook Live at 6.30pm tonight allowing other young people to learn more about what she does.
The event is part of Scottish Apprenticeship week running over March 6-10 which will see six Moray firms – including Boormalt in Buckie and MJD Systems at Spey Bay – participate.
Speaking to the Advertiser, Ms Aitken - who has gone on to qualify as an assessor - said she was more than glad to help spread the word about Modern Apprenticeships.
“It’s really good to have the chance to speak about my apprenticeship and answer questions on it,” she continued.
“I’m glad I had the chance to help show people what Modern Apprenticeships are like and what’s available. Before I started at 8to8 Dental I would never have thought there was an apprenticeship in dental nursing.
“My apprenticeship was a year long and was a mix of distance learning every Sunday morning through Skype with trainers Ident and hands-on experience here. I found it very useful to get real life experience while training and for me it was certainly a better option than just going to college.
“Now I’m qualified there’re a lot of specialities open to me.”
Fellow dental nurse Caitlin Cowie, who also qualified through the Modern Apprenticeship scheme in August 2016, echoed Ms Aitken’s views on the mix of practical experience and distance learning.
She commented: “I enjoyed being able to get hands-on experience while learning at the same time.
“The distance training was really good as well; our trainer, Helen, was brilliant.”
Modern Apprenticeships are a win-win for employers and employees, said 8to8 Dental owner Hiranya Fadia, who also has a practice in Keith.
“When we first started here in Buckie we found it hard to find qualified staff,” he said.
“It was a natural progression to take on the challenge of the Modern Apprenticeship scheme and it’s worked very well indeed.
“When they started on day one the apprentices knew nothing about the job but thanks to hands-on experience and brilliant training they’ve progressed.
“Helen, the Ident trainer, really keeps them on their toes and stress the value of working hard and being good at what you do.
“Apprentice like Chloe, for example, have had a great attitude and shown themselves very willing to study and learn.
“The hands-on element is very important, working in a busy environment.”
The practice have had a total of 10 Modern Apprenticeships.
This year, in Moray, Scottish Apprenticeship Week is being supported by Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Moray, an industry led board which aims to reduce youth unemployment by creating stronger links between business and education.
Moira Stickle, Manager for Developing Young Workforce Moray said: “This is only an hour or two in a week but it could result in life changing decisions both for the young person and the employer.
“The Facebook Live event is a new approach but by taking the event directly to the young person we are hoping that this will result in an increased interest.”
SDS Area Manager for Moray Dave McCallum commented: “Apprenticeships are changing with more opportunities than ever for anyone – no matter their background – to work learn and earn.
“Employers can benefit from apprenticeships by making skills work for their business.
For those who were not able to watch Ms Aitken on Thursday, the broadcast can be viewed on the Developing Young Workforce website.
Last year saw 488 Modern Apprenticeships started in Moray.
