Skip to main content

Cookies on North-Ayrshire.gov.uk

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use North-Ayrshire.gov.uk, remember your settings and improve government services.

View cookies

Modern Apprentices look to 2026 with optimism

Group photo of Council Leader with Modern Apprentices

The council’s current intake of North Ayrshire Modern Apprentices recently attended a welcoming Meet and Greet at council headquarters.

Attended by council officers and Council Leader Tony Gurney, it was hosted in Cunninghame House to mark the end of Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Week – providing a chance for young people to mark the success of our Modern Apprenticeship (MA) programme for 16 to 19 year-olds in North Ayrshire.

North Ayrshire Council’s MA programme is designed to give young people the opportunity to learn key skills through work and training to kick start their career and progress in meaningful jobs and positive pathways.

This is part of the council’s wider Working North Ayrshire programme, allowing successful candidates to earn while they learn, developing industry recognised qualifications to progress their careers, gaining skills, knowledge and work experience along the way.

Quote: Modern Apprenticeships are at the forefront of the council’s Wellbeing priority to build a skills pipeline for the future by nurturing and retaining local talent to benefit the economy and build a North Ayrshire that is fair for all. The programme is also at the heart of the council’s community wealth building approach, supporting young people across our six localities to secure employment within North Ayrshire Council or local businesses. It is encouraging to learn that thanks to the many council services offering spaces on the programme, we have been able to support 86% of our Modern Apprentices to secure employment at the end of their journey with North Ayrshire Council.

Quote from: Councillor Tony Gurney, North Ayrshire Council Leader

Councillor Eleanor Collier, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy added: “We are tremendously proud of our young recruits embarking on the Modern Apprenticeship programme. If you’re thinking of enrolling, you could be alongside them to experience this exciting career pathway too.

"Our Employability team are on hand to support you every step of the way, and with benefits like earning while you learn, industry-recognised qualifications and gaining practical on-the-job experience, local government offers a unique blend of work experience and study for successful MAs. So why not check out our vacancies online now?”

North Ayrshire Council offers over 20 different types of apprenticeships across services including Early Years, Business Administration, Civil Engineering, Horticulture, Housing, Health and Social Care and Youth Work.

With two intakes a year in April and August, keep up to date with our latest Modern Apprenticeships by visiting the NAC section of the My Job Scotland website.

Feedback from young people who have benefitted:

Josh, Modern Apprentice in our Procurement team shared: “My apprenticeship has been very valuable to my development as I am getting increased responsibilities as time goes on and feel I am developing my skills well.”

Modern Apprentice Kaycie working in Community, Learning and Development: “My apprenticeship is working very well for me, it allows me to learn more about myself and build on skills I never knew I had as well as learning on the job and working towards an SVQ.

And, Abbi Orderley, one of our Housing Apprentices shared: “I have enjoyed every minute of my apprenticeship, as it has given me the chance to grow professionally while gaining my qualification and getting experience in the workplace. The support and opportunities I’ve received have only strengthened my passion for the work I’m doing. Looking ahead, I’m hopeful that I will be able to secure a full time position before the middle of May, allowing me to continue the work I enjoy doing.”

If you’re thinking about starting a Modern Apprenticeship, there’s never been a better time to explore the opportunities available. Visit our website for more information on North Ayrshire Council Modern Apprenticeships.

For current North Ayrshire MA vacancies visit the MyJobScotland website.

Youth Work Modern Apprentices will open in May 2026 – stay tuned for updates.

Published: 06 March 2026


Wellbeing