Success of Payroll Modern Apprentice celebrated

As Scottish Apprenticeship Week continues (4–8th March), the Council’s Corporate Resources Committee, who met on Thursday, 7 March, wholeheartedly congratulated Millar Gamble, Modern Apprentice, in achieving an SQA Certificate in Payroll SCQF at level 6.

Millar initially joined the Council’s Payroll team in September 2022 as a Payroll Technician, Modern Apprentice and he has excelled in both his office-based work and course work.

Millar’s ability to pick up tasks quickly allowed his mentors to progress with his training and within a short space of time Millar has been able to develop in a range of tasks, creating greater capacity within the team.

Furthermore, as a result of his commitment and dedication, Millar has been successful in being kept on within the organisation with a continued role in the Payroll Team.

Chair of the Corporate Resources Committee, Cllr Derek Louden, congratulated Millar on his success and commented:  “Members of the Committee are delighted to be recognising the success of another member of staff upon the completion of their Modern Apprenticeship qualification.

“We have heard how Millar has added value to the team with his positive attitude to work, strong work ethic and ability to meet deadlines, proving to be a real asset within his team and to the wider organisation.  He has excelled in both his office-based work and course work and has successfully developed into his role as an effective Payroll Technician.

Cllr Louden concluded by saying:  “I was delighted to meet with Millar to hear more about his experience of the Modern Apprenticeship scheme and wish him much success in his continued career with Highland Council.”

Speaking of his time working within the Payroll team, Millar said:  “The Modern Apprenticeship experience within the Highland Council is one which I have thoroughly enjoyed.  It has allowed me to combine learning alongside gaining invaluable working experience within the Payroll team.

He continued:  “I would particularly like to thank my colleagues within Payroll who ensured that I was able to make a smooth transition into the team and have also given me lots of support and guidance throughout my Modern Apprenticeship.

“I am also grateful for the support which I have received from the Highland Council Modern Apprenticeship team, as well as from Kerry at the Virtual Learning Academy.

Millar concluded:  “I have particularly enjoyed the work-based learning aspect of the Modern Apprenticeship which allows you to put into practice the theory from the coursework.  This is why I would highly recommend a Modern Apprenticeship to anybody that is presented with the opportunity.”

Highland Council’s in-house Modern Apprenticeship Centre and Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2024

Over the last three years, the Council’s in-house Modern Apprenticeship Centre have steadily increased their achievement rates across all modern apprentice frameworks delivered, surpassing the national average of 75%.

• 2021 – 63%
• 2022 – 75%
• 2023 – 83%

The outstanding achievement rates seen within the Highland Council area are due to excellent leadership and a commitment of all staff working in the MA and SVQ teams, including Business Support staff. 

Scottish Apprenticeship Week runs from 4th – 8th March and highlights the highlighting the value apprenticeships can bring to individuals, employers and the economy.

For apprentices, it’s an exciting way to start a new career path, safe in the knowledge you’re in good hands learning from the best and unlocking your potential.  Meanwhile, for organisations, it provides the opportunity to tailor your workforce to the needs of your business.

The Council has facilitated a range of opportunities, both for new employees and existing staff, across a range of work areas and continues to grow the portfolio of apprenticeships which can be offered.  The current frameworks include:

Apprenticeships are delivered in partnership with a broad range of training providers both locally and across Scotland utilising University, College and independent training provision for the Apprentices across all Highland Council services.  Developing staff through a Modern Apprenticeship is part of workforce planning activity and supports the Council’s approach to ‘grow your own’ initiatives.

The Modern Apprenticeship Programme sees apprentices committing to between 2–4 years of learning and work experience within the organisation.  On completion of their qualification, they have several years of real time work experience, providing much needed life skills and a sound understanding of the working world in their chosen profession.

Above:  Millar is congratulated by Chair of the Corporate Resources Committee, Cllr Derek Louden.