Monday March 9th 2026
Craig Milloy infront of a bin lorry
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Inverclyde Council’s successful modern apprenticeship programme has helped 50 young people secure jobs in the last year – with 30 more trainees currently being supported.
The local authority has been shining a light on its fledgling employees to celebrate Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2026 from 2-6 March.
The council has supported 50 young people into work over the last 12 months through its modern apprenticeship (MA) programme and its apprenticeship wage subsidy initiative, which offers funding towards a trainee’s pay to encourage local employers to take on MAs.
In the last year, 22 young people have secured jobs upon completion of their apprenticeships.
Some were kept on by the council while others have taken up posts with external employers.
A further 28 Inverclyde residents have gained employment through the apprenticeship wage subsidy programme since April 2025.
On top of that, the council currently has just over 30 apprentices studying a wide range of roles and working in a variety of areas, including horticulture, roads maintenance, business administration, warehouse stores, joinery and sports coaching.
A modern apprenticeship provides young Inverclyde residents typically aged 16-24 the opportunity to combine on the job training and studying towards a recognised qualification while getting paid.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said:
“Our modern apprenticeship programme has been hugely successful over many years in developing the next generation of council employees or equipping young people with skills and confidence to continue their careers elsewhere in the public, private and voluntary sectors.
“The MA programme and the apprenticeship wage subsidy initiative have also been hugely beneficial to many of our businesses and charitable organisations by giving them a helping hand to grow their workforce while providing valuable training and experience to young people who are eager to take their first steps in the workplace.
“As a council, we’re committed to giving our young people the best possible start in life and providing employment opportunities and the work our services do supporting apprentices is an excellent example of that.”
Environmental services is one of the many council host departments which have shown support for the MA programme across the likes of waste management and vehicle maintenance to business administration and horticulture and in the past year five apprentices have continued their council careers by moving into full-time positions.
Craig Milloy, 19, from Greenock, completed a business and administration MA with the service and also tried his hand at refuse collection and provided cover for the team.
He enjoyed it so much that, following completion of his qualification, he applied for a role as a refuse collector and was successful in gaining a full-time position.
The council also provided support with driving lessons and Craig successfully passed his test alongside his apprenticeship.
Craig said: “I gained a good qualification through my apprenticeship and successfully passed my driving test after receiving funding towards my lessons.
“I have now gained full-time employment as a refuse collector with Inverclyde Council which I thoroughly enjoy.”
Hayden O’Neill, 21, from Greenock, is another success story having recently landed a full-time job within the Pottery Street vehicle maintenance garage following completion of his Level 3 MA in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair with the support of training provider GTG.
He too received additional support from the council’s employability and skills team towards his driving licence and LGV licence.
Hayden said“I was able to learn a trade while gaining my qualification.
“I also gained my HGV licence whilst doing my apprenticeship.
“I enjoyed my time as an apprentice and I’m looking forward to my future with Inverclyde Council.”
Working alongside training providers and drawing on the extensive experience of council staff across various departments, the apprenticeship programme combines a mix of work-based learning and college attendance and support.
In recent years, additional on-the-job learning has been added to the programme through partnership working with local third sector organisations, including Parklea Branching Out, Morton in the Community, Belville Community Gardens and Broomhill Community Hub.
Alongside the apprenticeship qualification, modern apprentices are supported with additional relevant training such as first aid, food hygiene, chainsaw operation, and car and LGV driving.
Trainee gardening duo Robyn Strachan and Matthew Currie have also both gone on to secure permanent, full-time jobs with the council following the recent completion of their horticulture MA.
For the duration of Robyn’s training, she was based with Parklea Branching Out while also attending Glasgow Clyde College to complete her qualification in Level 3 Horticulture – Parks, Gardens and Green Space.
Since completion of her apprenticeship, Robyn has moved on from Parklea to gain a permanent, full-time position with the local authority’s grounds service.
Robyn said: “I loved the MA programme as it allowed my confidence to grow.
“The training opportunities are great and have helped me secure full-time employment.”
Colleague Matthew achieved his SVQ in Horticulture – Parks, Gardens and Green Space and, alongside Robyn, the duo also gained certification in chainsaw training and cross cutting, as well as a Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pesticide Using Handheld Equipment.
These certifications were funded by the council and delivered by external partners as part of the horticulture MA and have allowed the apprentices to enhance their skillset and improve future employment prospects.
Matthew said: “I was grateful for the courses I was put through whilst undertaking my apprenticeship.
“I also got funding toward my driving lessons and I gained loads of experience working on different machines within the department which allowed me to secure a full-time position.”
For more information about apprenticeships with Inverclyde Council visit www.inverclyde.gov.uk/business-and-trade/employability-skills/modern-apprenticeships and the latest vacancies, including in health and social care services, are on the MyJobScotland website at .
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