Life Sciences Scotland news

On 16 November 2009, Ingenza Ltd - based at the Roslin BioCentre - appointed two Modern Apprentices: Kirsty Glendinning, 17 and Ross Hepplewhite, also 17. Kirsty and Ross were the successful candidates who joined Ingenza through the Scottish Government Scheme, 'Innovate with an Apprentice'.

Ingenza was introduced to the 2 for 1 Life Sciences Apprenticeship offer by Forth Valley College after a routine visit to Dr Ian Archer, Head of Process Development at Ingenza. Dr Archer said "We began talks with Skills Development Scotland immediately to make use of this fantastic offer. After our eligibility for the scheme was confirmed we started advertising for our future Modern Apprentices."

Forth Valley College, based in Falkirk, played a significant role in Ingenza's recruitment for the Modern Apprenticeship positions as ultimately the successful applicants would attend Forth Valley College on a weekly basis as part of their 3 year apprenticeship with Ingenza.

After interviewing many applicants, Kirsty and Ross were appointed and are now approaching their fourth month with Ingenza. In addition to their day release training at Forth Valley College, Kirsty and Ross are receiving excellent support from the work-based learning team based at the college.

Dr Archer is an enthusiastic supporter of the Modern Apprenticeship. "As a company we have always focused recruitment on individuals being educated to degree level and higher, but we soon realised that further support was required in certain areas and we needed to recruit technicians." Dr Archer continued:

"What's great about this scheme is that the apprentices will get the theoretical background and practical based learning on the job which is directly suited to Ingenza's requirements. I believe both of them will be very employable by the end of their training."

Kirsty, now 18, and Ross, 17, attended the local Beeslack High School before joining Ingenza. When asked about their initial thoughts of the position at Ingenza Kirsty said "As soon as I read about the apprenticeship I knew it was a unique opportunity and immediately applied. My parents were delighted when I got the job." Ross added "I had never heard of an apprenticeship like this before so I was intrigued to learn more about the science industry."

Dr Archer added, "Kirsty and Ross are now integrated as part of the team here at Ingenza and are learning rapidly through Forth Valley College and their on-the-job training and have already begun to make very useful contributions to the company."

Innovate with an Apprentice is part of ScotAction - the Scottish Government's skills support package for leading Scotland out of recession and on to economic growth. You can find out more on the Skills Development Scotland website or call 0808 100 1855.