L- R - Skills Development Scotland’s NTP Equalities Executive for the West region, Kirsteen Allison, ex-apprentice from BBC Scotland, Stewart Campbell, Employment Engagement Officer at training provider TIGERS, Colin Williams and Mitchell Graham, Transition Officer at the British Deaf Association Scotland
National skills agency, Skills Development Scotland and the British Deaf Association Scotland have launched a partnership to raise awareness of apprenticeship opportunities available to young Deaf people in Scotland.
Employers and training providers across the country are offering Modern Apprenticeships in a range of sectors including Childcare, Hospitality, Construction and Horticulture.
In recent years, a BSL (Scotland) Act 2015 has been passed to ensure Scottish Government funded employment programme and training opportunities are accessible to British Sign Language users.
This has led to an increase in interest for Modern Apprenticeship opportunities from young Deaf people and from deaf organisations.
The organisations recently held a joint event at The Lighthouse in Glasgow to promote the job opportunities currently available through Modern Apprenticeships.
The partnership event was part of the British Deaf Association Scotland’s Deaf Roots and Pride (DRP) project, and provided young Deaf people, parents and teachers with apprenticeship information in their own language, BSL.
BSL/English interpreters were provided at the event and the young Deaf people had the opportunity to discuss opportunities to over 15 different employers and training providers.
SDS careers advisers were also on hand to provide advice and support.
As Skills Development Scotland’s NTP Equalities Executive for the West region, Kirsteen Allison is a lead representative on the initiative.
Kirsteen said: “Modern Apprenticeships are available to a wide range of people from all backgrounds and our work with the British Deaf Association Scotland is aimed to help young Deaf people find out more in a language they can understand.
“We will continue to work with employers so that more are able to provide apprenticeship opportunities that support young Deaf people.”
Mitchell Graham, Transition Officer at the British Deaf Association Scotland said: “The Deaf Roots and Pride team see the barriers that young Deaf people face in their everyday life linked to the transition to employment. I am pleased to have this opportunity to work with Skills Development Scotland to create breakthroughs for young Deaf people with Modern Apprenticeships. We’re very excited about this work, and are looking forward to engaging with more young Deaf people.”
Employment Engagement Officer at training provider TIGERS, Colin Williams said: “TIGERS' vision is for a fair and inclusive world where equal opportunities exist for individuals, families and communities. We work with young people to inspire and support them to meet their infinite potential and we will put in place additional support required to meet the needs of individuals."
The apprenticeships.scot website provides information on Modern Apprenticeships currently available.
