Strathaven teenager has helped ScotRail scoop the Best Business Newcomer title.

Dec 29 2011 by Sandra Walls, Hamilton Advertiser

A HARD-WORKING Strathaven teenager has helped ScotRail scoop the Best Business Newcomer title at the Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Awards 2011.

Nicholas Patrick (19) was among the first intake of 11 apprentices following ScotRail’s launch last year of the UK rail industry’s first Modern Apprenticeship in Customer Service.

During his 18-month apprenticeship Nicholas, who is still completing his Modern Apprenticeship, is being trained, paid and offered placements in hands-on roles in ScotRails’ stations, on trains and in hospitality departments.

Judges at the awards were impressed with the pioneering ScotRail initiative, which is designed to boost business and provide opportunities for young people to enter the jobs market.

The other finalists included Glasgow Housing Association and Siemens plc.

Nicholas, a former pupil of Holy Cross High School in Hamilton, has benefited from ScotRail investing £250,000 in 11 Modern Apprentices, all aged between 18 and 22.

He said: “I was delighted when ScotRail won the Best Business Newcomer Award, and am just glad that I have been part of it from the outset.”

The apprentices can gain recognition of their skills by working towards a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Customer Service for the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The success of the scheme has led to enquiries from other train operating companies interested in introducing similar programmes.

Humza Yousaf, SNP MSP for Glasgow, said: “I praise ScotRail for using the Modern Apprenticeships scheme to guide young people toward gainful employment.”

In a Scottish Parliament motion, Mr Yousaf added: “I ask that the parliament congratulates ScotRail on its modern apprenticeship scheme winning what it considers to be the prestigious Best Business Newcomer title.”

ScotRail has committed to recruiting Modern Apprentices for Customer Service on a regular basis, with an intake planned every 18 months in the future.

The 10th annual Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Awards 2011, run by Skills Development Scotland, were held at the Glasgow Science Centre earlier in December.