This Scottish Apprenticeship Week (2-6 March 2026) we’re shining a light on two young people who joined the Council’s award-winning Modern Apprenticeship Programme and have never looked back.
Next week, Madilyn Wilson, a second year Architectural Technician Modern Apprentice, will attend the Association for Public Sector Excellence (APSE) Apprentice of the Year awards as a finalist in the non-trade category.
The former St Ninian’s pupil applied for the Council’s Modern Apprenticeship Programme after a year at university doing a BSC Hons in Construction Management. She is involved in Council projects and having already completed the HNC Architectural Technology with Digital Construction, she is now working towards an HND Architectural Technology with Digital Construction.
She said, “Leaving my university course was a difficult decision for me, and I had doubts about whether it was right for my future. However, I have learned so much more in my first year as an apprentice compared to my year at university and this way of learning while earning is definitely more suited to me. I would highly recommend this career choice to others!”
Many of the Council’s apprentices stay on with the local authority and that is what Owen Murphy did after he completed his Roads Operative apprenticeship a few years ago.
During his apprenticeship he noticed that the Council was looking for a Graduate Apprentice in Civil Engineering and saw that as a possible career path for him. Keen to apply, he was supported to attend college and undertake an additional qualification. This combination of study and practical experience made him the ideal candidate.
He said, “The Council was very supportive of my ambition and allowed me to study for an HNC in Civil Engineering while continuing to work as an apprentice and later, a road worker. For me this shows that East Dunbartonshire Council wants the best for its apprentices and are willing to develop and help them where possible.”
Council Leader Gordan Low, said, “Apprenticeships give young people the opportunity to work on professional qualifications while gaining practical on-the-job training with support from experienced colleagues. It is encouraging to hear Owen and Madilyn’s success stories and those of previous apprentices who have benefitted from our Modern Apprenticeship Programme.
“We are very fortunate that in the 13 years since it launched, we have attracted some very talented and ambitious young people from the local area who have gone onto positive outcomes.”
