From First Cohort to IT Careers: Apprentices Return to Where It All Began

Cain, Dylan, Ross, Rory, Andrew and Matthew were part of Dundee City Councils first ever cohort of Information Technology and Telecommunications Modern Apprentices, and the first IT MAs to complete the programme through the partnership between Dundee and Angus College and Dundee City Council.

The Modern Apprenticeship programme allowed them to learn, work and earn at the same time, gaining a nationally recognised vocational qualification while developing practical skills that launched their careers in the IT sector.

Rory, who initially enrolled for an HNC, found the apprenticeship route better suited his learning style - “The combination of working on the job and learning was perfect for me. It provided a different pathway for learning that really worked for me.”

During their visit, the former apprentices had the opportunity to reunite with Dundee and Angus College lecturer Alex Alves, who taught them during their apprenticeship.

Reflecting on the reunion, Alex said - “These students were my first ever Modern Apprentices. When I got asked to teach them back then, I was nervous as it was a different approach to teaching. But once I met the students, I knew it would be fantastic! It’s so great to see them today and how they’ve evolved, hear where they are now, and ultimately see that their apprenticeships worked and were so worthwhile.”

After completing their Modern Apprenticeships, the group became qualified Assistant Engineers within Dundee City Council. Inspired to continue developing their skills, they later went on to complete a Graduate Apprenticeship in Information Technology Management for Business at the University of Dundee, while continuing to work.

One of the graduates, Dylan, is now undertaking his Master’s degree in Cyber Security, becoming the only person in his service at Dundee City Council to complete the qualification - “If it wasn’t for my Modern Apprenticeship I wouldn’t be in IT – it was character building for me. I wanted to do a Master’s to upskill for my own personal development and have that specialist knowledge about cyber security for my own future prospects.”

Modern Apprenticeships like this have helped create a collaborative learning environment between education and industry, strengthening the long-standing partnership between Dundee & Angus College and Dundee City Council. The reunion was also a proud moment for our Principal, Simon Hewitt, who, during his time as a Curriculum Lead, played a key role in recruiting the first apprentices and negotiating the initial partnership contract with the Council - a programme that has since helped launch many successful careers in the IT sector.