Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2024 | Skills Generation Q&A with Cara Walsh

This week is Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2024, a campaign shining a spotlight on the benefits that work-based learning brings to people, employers and the economy.

Apprenticeships create the skills every generation needs, and every employer wants. This year’s theme of Skills Generation demonstrates that apprenticeships give people high-quality opportunities, whilst supporting them to achieve their full potential.

To mark the week, we have spoken to five of our current apprentices to hear their views on apprenticeships, skill development and more.

In today’s Q&A post, we hear from Cara Walsh, Housing Apprentice, as she reflects on her apprenticeship and tells us what she enjoys most about it.

1. What’s your name and what apprenticeship are you undertaking?

Hello, my name is Cara Walsh and I am a Modern Housing Apprentice at Hillcrest.

2. What are your interests/hobbies?

Outside of work, I love spending time with my friends and family, and at the moment I am liking going on walks.

3. What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?

Through my apprenticeship, I enjoy learning about new things whilst increasing my knowledge and skills. I have also found learning about the social housing sector and how it works really interesting, as that’s something I was never taught about in school.

4. What skills are you developing?

I am developing my admin skills by doing a variety of jobs for several teams during my time at Hillcrest. I am increasing my communication abilities with the tenants and my colleagues, as well as improving my customer service skills and learning new ways to help and communicate.

5. What advice would you give to someone looking to start an apprenticeship?

My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship is to always put yourself out there! I’ve learnt it’s okay not to always know what you want to do after school and to apply for any position that you feel you could do. Always ask questions and never be afraid to ask for help.

6. What are the main benefits of doing an apprenticeship?

The main benefit of an apprenticeship is being able to learn and create new skills whilst being recognised for your achievements. It also is great that you get paid as it’s a job too and you can gain so much experience by working in that environment which helps for future job applications.

7. What do you hope to do in the future?

My hope in the future is to be able to become a housing officer one day. Ever since I started with Hillcrest that has been my main goal, especially after seeing what they do day-to-day, how much they help tenants, and the trust and relationship they build with them.

8. How has Hillcrest supported you during your apprenticeship? 

Hillcrest has supported me massively with all aspects of my apprenticeship, from my line manager, mentor to the Apprenticeship Development Officer. The Young People’s Group has also been a great asset as it allows us apprentices to feel relaxed and be able to talk about issues with confidence. There is a mountain of support that is available which allows our confidence to grow and also prepares us for future careers and what it is like being able to help with tasks and work as part of a team.

#ScotAppWeek24 #SkillsGeneration