A partnership between our digital directorate and employability team is helping people begin and develop rewarding careers in digital technology.
Working with training provider QA Ltd, we offer apprenticeships in data analytics and digital applications. We have also worked with Glasgow Caledonian University to introduce degree-level graduate apprenticeships in artificial intelligence and data science, and cyber security.
These opportunities are helping us recruit and develop skilled digital colleagues while creating new routes into areas which can be difficult to recruit to. The programme includes opportunities for school pupils, new recruits and existing members of staff.
Since 2023, 11 modern apprentices have started within the digital directorate. Two have remained in their posts, two have progressed into promoted roles and one is moving on to an internal IT graduate apprenticeship. Four are continuing with their programmes and two have secured employment with other organisations.
For Eddie, a modern apprentice working in data analytics and information, the programme has offered a new career direction and made a positive difference to family life.
Eddie said: “The apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to learn a new side of IT while earning a decent wage to help support my family.
“In my old job I worked every weekend. I now have weekends off, so we’re able to spend time together as a proper family.”
Digital has also supported two IT software foundation apprentices, giving school pupils practical experience and project-based learning alongside their college studies. A further two apprentices are due to join the next cohort.
Five members of staff have completed adult apprenticeships at SCQF Level 8, while eight colleagues are undertaking graduate apprenticeships in business management, artificial intelligence and data science, and cyber security.
Lorraine Taggart, Deputy Director of Digital and Information, said: “We have had great success within digital and have taken on apprentices across a number of our functions, with a particular focus on cyber security, software, data and analytics.
“We intend to continue exploring apprenticeship opportunities in wider digital areas, including health records and transformation, and look forward to welcoming five new apprentices during 2026/27.”
For further information about these employability programmes please contact Nicole Grant on nicole.grant@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
