If you are aged 16 to 24 and living in Cowal, we have a great career opportunity for you.

Argyll and Bute Council is taking on modern apprentices in Dunoon – a fantastic chance for young people to gain new skills that will set them up for their future careers.

There are roles in digital and business and administration.

Policy Lead for Corporate Services, Councillor Rory Colville, said: “If you are looking to get a first-class foothold on the world of work and live in the Dunoon / Cowal area, please think about joining our modern apprenticeship scheme.

“It’s a gateway to a full-time career with the council or another local employer as it will give you terrific experience, new skills and a valuable qualification.

“Since the scheme started in 2014 we have helped equip nearly 40 young people with the tools needed to succeed in a range of jobs.

“Of those, 83 per cent have chosen to take up a job with the Council, including in Dunoon, others have gone on to secure roles in the private sector.

“Doing an apprenticeship gives you choice and opportunities – the world could be your oyster.

 “We are one of the biggest local employers and we are committed to offering our young people every possible opportunity to work in, live in and contribute to making Argyll and Bute a great place to be in. We are growing our own here, which benefits us all.

“I know there are a great deal of talented and hard-working young people in Cowal – give us the chance to help you blossom.”

One of the Council’s previous modern apprentices, Steven Simpson, from Dunoon, was the 2016 Scottish Training Federation Apprentice of the Year. Steven is now working as an IT desktop engineer with the Council as a graduate trainee.

Steven said: “The modern apprenticeship has helped me personally and has allowed me to gain a range of valuable work experience and provided numerous learning opportunities.

“I left school at 16 without many qualifications, however this opportunity has helped me find an area of work that I very much enjoy.

“The apprenticeship has helped me gain valuable qualifications that may have been difficult to otherwise achieve.”

The modern apprenticeships are advertised on myjobscotland.gov.uk and there is more information on the Council website at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/modern-apprenticeships

You can also email growingourown@argyll-bute.gov.uk for further information.

Modern apprenticeships are also available in Lochgilphead.

The modern apprenticeship scheme is part of the Council’s Growing Our Own programme, designed to attract and sustain a workforce for the future. It aims to create opportunities for young people and includes a wide range of activities including apprenticeships, work placements and graduate trainee opportunities, and support to help employees develop and reach their full potential.