First Glasgow team up with council to get young people to their work

Published: 8 November 2019

First Glasgow has announced that they will fund free travel to support the council's Modern Apprenticeship young people.

The partnership - that also includes sportscotland - is to support 10 young candidates as they embark on a physical education, physical activity and school sport (PEPASS) modern apprenticeship.

Each Modern Apprentice has received a fully funded network wide bus pass to remove one of the main barriers for a lot of the candidates from taking part in the programme which is travel costs.

It also allows the MAs the freedom and independence of being able to get involved across multiple sites and facilities, and this means they have the best possible opportunity to benefit from the course.

Each Modern Apprentice will have the chance to develop personal qualities such as leadership, confidence and responsibility as well as having the opportunity to meet new people of a similar age, have fun, become a role model and have a positive impact in school sport. They will be supported by an Active Schools coordinator funded by sportscotland - the national agency for sport.

They will also gain the practical experience of working in the industry at sports events, in schools, clubs and coaching within sports venues, whilst aiming to achieve a Modern Apprenticeship Qualification in Active Leisure, Learning and Wellbeing, working specifically towards a SVQ Level 2 in Activity Leadership.

The ultimate goal for each PEPASS Modern Apprentice is to support and engage young people in the city to be more active and with the free travel element they can practice what they preach with access to sustainable and active bus travel.

Elinor Ross, Commercial Business Development Manager for First Bus in Scotland said: "First Glasgow are delighted to support these young people. The bus pass hopefully gives them some independence to explore the city, familiarise themselves with the city's bus network and learn at the same time, by getting them ready for the world of work.
"Bus travel is one of the most sustainable ways to travel and so to be able to get involved in this project and give 10 young people that support for their learning, whilst promoting bus use across the city was a no-brainer for us."

Maureen McKenna, Executive Director for Education, Glasgow City Council said: "This is partnership working at its very best and I'm delighted that the council, sportscotland and First Glasgow have joined forces to support our very first cohort of physical education, physical activity and school sport (PEPASS) modern apprentices.

"The free bus pass will enable our young sports leaders to travel around the city between schools and between events allowing them to travel independently and grow in confidence as they complete their apprenticeship over the next two years."

Chief Executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, said: "Sport has the power to change lives and that is why we are delighted to be supporting Glasgow City Council's PEPASS Modern Apprenticeship programme. The experiences they will gain as part of this programme will create a range of exciting opportunities for not just the apprentices themselves but for young people in schools across the city.

"This additional support from First Glasgow will further enhance the opportunities available to the modern apprentices, giving them the chance to widen their horizons and get the very most out of their training programme."

Callum Reynolds, Education Services Modern Apprentice added: "The support from First Bus has been a tremendous help in getting me to and from work. The bus pass and the First Bus app have made travelling around the city from school to school so much better as I know when to leave, how to get there and when I will arrive

"I am from the east end of Glasgow. School wasn't for me, by choosing this apprenticeship I still get to learn but through experience rather than sitting in a class room. I will still achieve qualifications and it allows me to focus on sport which is something that I am passionate about.

"Further education seemed to be similar to school. An apprenticeship had everything I wanted in one role, it allowed me to learn while earning and I will come out the other side with valuable experience and qualifications.

"The practical nature of the apprenticeship appealed to me more than other paths. My hopes are that after completing my apprenticeship I will continue my learning and progress to University and achieve my goal of becoming a P.E Teacher. When I was thinking of leaving school I had my doubts if I could achieve this, now through this apprenticeship I feel more confident that I will achieve this goal.

What is a PEPASS Leadership Modern Apprenticeship?

A two-year paid Modern Apprenticeship that:

· Provides opportunities for young people engaged in sports leadership skills who are not in higher education, taking up employment or in training.

· Provides young people with the learning, qualifications and vocational training required by employers.

· Inspires young people to engage in sports leadership roles.

· Enables young people to reach their full potential.

What will a Modern Apprentice achieve?

MA will complete the following mandatory units;

· Support the Work of Your Team and Organisation

· Prepare for Activity Sessions

· Lead for Activity Sessions

· Conclude and Review Activity Sessions

· Promote Health and Safety and Welfare in Active Leisure and Recreation

· Support Equality and Diversity and Welfare in Active Leisure and Recreation

MAs on the job training will also allow you to achieve:

· Bespoke training that matches the criteria required by employers within the sports industry

Find out more on the Glasgow Guarantee

Find out more on Physical Education, Physical Activity and School Sport