Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2024 | Skills Generation Q&A with Keir Mckenna

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 Keir Mckenna, Health & Safety Apprentice, as he reflects on his apprenticeship and tells us the main benefits of completing one.

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

My name is Keir Mckenna and I am currently completing an apprenticeship in Health and Safety.

2. What are your interests/hobbies?

I enjoy going on holidays to nice places, and I also have a passion for cars.

3. What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?

I enjoy the variety of my role, especially that no two days are ever the same and there is always something to be doing.

4. What skills are you developing?

I have completed my SVQ Level 7 in Occupational Health and Safety and I am working towards my National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) general certificate this year.

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

I would say to go for it as it’s one of the best pathways into work, as you get to earn while studying but you also get the benefit of on-the-job experience.

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

I would say one of the benefits of my role has been gaining more qualifications through my studies. It has been great for my learning and development to be able to study while I work but also has given me the skills to manage my workload effectively to fit in my studies.

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

I hope to continue doing Health and Safety but I have also enjoyed working with other departments for shadowing, so I am open to potentially doing something different.

8. How has Hillcrest supported you during your apprenticeship? 

I have had great support from my team throughout my apprenticeship and I also have regular catch ups with my line manager Ian to discuss how I’m getting on with things like my workload, studying, etc. I also have great support from Lesley English, Hillcrest’s Apprenticeship Development Officer. I have regular monthly reviews since I started and these have been great as I can raise any concerns, and most importantly for me, I have started planning for the future as my apprenticeship ends in November.

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