My career so far...
Blog by Cerys Ferguson, modern apprentice at the Care Inspectorate & SSSC for Scottish Careers Week
After leaving school, I went to college and completed an HNC in Media Analysis and Production. I then had the opportunity to continue studying Media at Robert Gordon University, however I wasn’t keen to move to Aberdeen, and the course wasn’t exactly what I wanted to do. Then I started studying Criminology at Abertay University in Dundee, however again, it wasn’t exactly what I wanted to do. Finally, I was able to transfer courses at Abertay to study Psychology, which was definitely the right choice for me. I graduated summer 2023 and worked in hospitality for a year whilst deciding what I wanted my career to look like. That’s when I found the advertisement for the modern apprentice position at the SSSC. I knew I enjoyed learning but felt as though I needed to get out into the workforce, so the idea of a modern apprenticeship felt like a good fit for me. The thought of working in an office also appealed to me as I really enjoy the balance of collaborative and independent work. The application was simple, and luckily, I was offered a place at the group interview day. This day was a great experience, as it was my first ‘proper’ interview and solidified my thoughts of wanting to work in an office environment. The whole recruitment journey was pleasant, everyone I crossed paths with was very supportive and clear with what was required of me, and were able to answer any questions I may have had.
In September 2024, I started working in the recruitment team, which is a shared service for both the Care Inspectorate and the SSSC, where i'll work here for 12 months. I have learned so much already. From general office and admin skills, to how the recruitment process works, I haven’t been short of things to keep busy. It has been really interesting and beneficial for me to be both working in the office and at home, especially coming from jobs that have been entirely onsite. It has been interesting to see the other side of the recruitment process I just experienced as an applicant, to further my understanding of how recruiting works. Shadowing the recruitment team and then practicing the tasks myself has been extremely beneficial for me as I am a hands-on learner which is incredibly supported by my colleagues.
As well as the valuable knowledge I am gaining, I am also taking on an SVQ qualification in Business and Administration. This is an opportunity to showcase what I do as a modern apprentice and use that as evidence to gain a valuable business qualification.
Throughout my time as a modern apprentice, I hope to learn and explore as much as possible of what is available to me, and make sure I am well equipped for my future career. I hope that once I gain my SVQ qualification, it will kickstart my career in recruitment or human resources. This is such an amazing opportunity for me, and I would encourage anyone to consider looking into modern apprenticeships.
Cerys Ferguson, modern apprentice