Emma's Apprenticeship Experience
Emma joined Stirling Council as a Painting & Decorating Modern Apprentice in August 2014. This was the first young woman in one of the Traditional Crafts Apprenticeships in a very long time! Not long after joining us, Emma disclosed that she had recently been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. This was openly discussed and Emma pointed out that she didn’t require specific support, however, the report mentioned that changes to routine can be problematic.
During her apprenticeship Emma has worked in all the various areas within Housing – new builds, voids (empty homes needing upgrading) and maintenance such as painting after new kitchens or bathrooms have been fitted. In 2017, Emma was given responsibility of being able to drive a work van and respond to jobs for tenants by work schedulers. Emma commented at the time that this was great experience at working independently.
Emma attended Forth Valley College for her formal training and completed all elements required for the Modern Apprenticeship, including passing the skills test. During this time Emma also successfully completed a Personal Development Award in Painting & Decorating at SCQF L7. Emma really enjoyed trying different techniques that are not necessary within the work of the Council.
In September, Emma was interviewed for a post along with another apprentice for a trades position within Housing and she was the successful candidate!
Emma herself says: "Completing an Apprenticeship in painting and decorating has meant a lot to me. It has given me a great deal of experience in not only learning new skills to become a tradesperson but also an insight from the age of seventeen when working in tenants' houses and dealing with the public, quickly increasing to handling working alone, planning work, and the responsibility of driving from job to job. To me, there is no bigger privilege to be trusted and given the opportunity to put my freshly qualified skills to the test now that my time is complete. Now no longer an Apprentice this is where I feel the learning really begins."