Student Loans Company welcomes trainees for Scottish Apprenticeship Week

The Student Loans Company is celebrating the contribution of its apprentices during Scottish Apprenticeship Week (2-6 March). During the week the Company will also welcome three new apprentices to its Glasgow offices, bringing the total number of apprentices working with SLC in Scotland to 14. Celebrations kicked off on Friday (28 February) when SLC apprentices met with CEO, Paula Sussex, and other members of the leadership team to share their thoughts of working as an apprentice at SLC. SLC employs both Modern and Graduate apprentices in Glasgow, and has worked with partners including the University of Glasgow, Glasgow Caledonian University, Skills Development Scotland and People Plus to develop its apprenticeship programme. Apprentices split their time between work and study, gaining both practical work experience and a recognised qualification. The Modern Apprentices are based in SLC’s Finance Team and are studying for AAT Level 3 in Accounting. While the Graduate Apprentices are based within SLC’s Commercial Team and Technology Group and are studying for degrees in Business Management and Software Engineering respectively. The programme has attracted a diverse range of people at various stages of their careers – including people who are new to SLC, and existing staff who have recognised it as an opportunity to develop their careers. Modern apprentice Aidan McCrae (17) joined SLC as a Finance Assistant after leaving school at the end of 5th year. He said the experience was both exciting and daunting: “Since joining SLC I have learned a lot about management accounting. I have improved my database skills massively and have also gained experience of using accounting programmes. Leaving school and going straight into work was challenging as I had no idea what to expect but SLC is a great place to work and I was made to feel very welcome.” Paula Sussex, CEO, said: “Developing and nurturing talent is key to ensuring that SLC has a workforce equipped with the skills needed. I firmly believe apprentices bring the diversity of thought and fresh perspective that will enable us to deliver an outstanding experience to our customers.” “I am delighted that our apprenticeship programmes have attracted not only new recruits who are excited by the opportunity to work with a major Glasgow employer, but also current staff who want to upskill and develop their careers. I’m really looking forward to finding out more about their experiences during Scottish Apprenticeship Week.” More information on apprentices, including current vacancies can be found at www.apprenticeships.scot.