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Youth workers complete Modern Apprenticeship programme
Conal Rae, Niamh Reid, Karys Adam and Iona McDade have become North Ayrshire’s latest modern apprentices to complete their Youth Work Modern Apprenticeship accreditation.
Now in its 15th year, the 18-month programme is part of Your Next Move, Working North Ayrshire – the council’s wider employability programme. Delivered in partnership with the North Ayrshire Youth Work team, the four young people have gained an SCQF7 Youth Work qualification.
Since coming on board in Autumn 2024, the young recruits have been a vital part of the council’s Community Learning and Development service, delivering over 2,000 youth groups and activities across North Ayrshire’s six localities. Learning the ropes along the way, they have also been able to gain accreditation across key sector areas including drugs and alcohol support, first aid, mental health resilience, neurodiversity, anti-sectarianism training and suicide awareness.
Part of the council’s wider MA programme, the in-house training allows successful candidates to earn while they learn across a host of council services, developing industry recognised qualifications to progress their careers.
Modern Apprentice Conal, from Irvine, has gained confidence since embarking on the programme. He shares:
Quote: Thanks to the on-the-job experience gained, I have been successful in securing a place at the University of Glasgow to study Community Learning and Development. I’m a completely different person now that I’ve completed the Modern Apprenticeship. Before, I wasn’t sure what to do career-wise and I lacked confidence. Now I am focused and socially aware, I can even confidently do public speaking. It’s incredible and it’s all thanks to the support I’ve had from the Youth Work and Community Learning and Development team. I had my successful interview last week for university and I’m really excited for my next chapter.
Quote from: Conal Rae, North Ayrshire Youth Work Modern Apprentice
Enjoying the opportunity to continue working with primary school aged children, Niamh Reid from Dalry is also positive about what the future holds. For the past month, Niamh has been working as a Pupil Support Assistant at Dalry Primary school - a full circle moment as she was once a pupil there herself.
Niamh shares: “Being a Youth Work Modern Apprentice has given me the unique chance to connect with so many children and young people across our six localities. The opportunities it brings and the doors it opens has been really amazing. The apprenticeship has been so rewarding, and it’s made me realise the lasting impact I can have on shaping younger generations. Now I have the skills needed to hit the ground running in my new role and I feel privileged to now be a positive role model for other too.”
From Joint Cabinet, detached youth work events, creating videos, supporting national social media campaigns, learning about cyber resilience, to the delivery of mental health and youth empowerment sessions across a variety of settings, the MAs have been an invaluable driving force to champion youth work, participation and youth voice in North Ayrshire.
Councillor Chloé Robertson, North Ayrshire’s Young People’s Champion has commended the young people, sharing:
Quote: A massive congratulations to the Youth Work Modern Apprentices who have made their mark across our six localities. North Ayrshire Council’s Modern Apprentice programme is an integral part of our youth work delivery. Completing their SVQ with in-house assessors, with hands on learning and delivery, the MAs have been able to provide peer support, create youth programmes and support the wider Youth Work team. The work they have done has also been a direct contribution towards the Council’s Wellbeing Priority and vital efforts surrounding the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child – international legislation that sets out how to champion, respect and uphold children and young people’s rights.
Quote from: Councillor Chloé Robertson, North Ayrshire's Young People's Champion
Cllr Robertson continues: “Modern Apprenticeships are a brilliant way for young people to work while training, gaining qualifications that reflect the knowledge and skills they have developed in practical and fast-paced settings. Well done to everyone involved, thank you for your commitment and dedication. You should all be really proud of yourselves.”
Modern apprentice Iona from Dreghorn is also feeling optimistic about her next chapter. Lacking confidence before the Modern Apprenticeship, she shares: “Before I was an MA, I found it difficult to put myself out there and was a little hesitant to meet new people. Now I’ve come to the end of the Modern Apprenticeship I’m amazed at how different I am – for the better. I’m not as shy and I don’t worry as much about what other people think. I’ve met some lifelong friends, been inspired by the people that I’ve met along the way and I’m now setting my sights on applying for Sports Coaching HNC at City of Glasgow College.”
And, Karys from Kilbirnie is looking forward to playing her part in nurturing children’s early development, securing a role as a Healthy Start Club Worker at St Bridget's Nursery. Karys said: “I’ve made friends for life and I can’t believe how quickly the last 18 months has been.
“By learning on the job, I’ve been immersed in the challenges our communities face and also how many teams are working across North Ayrshire to improve the lives of our residents. I’m now a month into my new job and I’m loving it. I feel privileged that I know have the knowledge to do my part to give children the best start in life in North Ayrshire.”
The next intake for Youth Work Modern Apprentices will be announced in May 2026.
If you’re looking for work in North Ayrshire, the Employability team, responsible for delivering the Your Next Move, Working North Ayrshire programme, are teaming up with Developing the Young Workforce and Ayrshire College to host a Young Person's Recruitment Evening on Wednesday 4 March. Tickets are free but register online to book a space for the upcoming Ayrshire College, Kilwinning Campus event. The event will take place between 5pm and 7pm.
Visit our website for more information on North Ayrshire Council Modern Apprenticeships.
Published: 27 February 2026