Kian gets true taste of Highland hospitality – thanks to Caithness apprenticeship
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A hospitality apprentice in the far north has had his confidence boosted by the commitment shown to him within the industry in the region.
Kian Mackay joined the Caithness Collection of hotels part-time while still at school,with support from a local business fund.
He has already progressed through a professional cookery apprenticeship, before beginning an apprenticeship in hospitality supervision and leadership.
His apprenticeship, supervised by Andrew Mackay, owner of the Caithness Collection, is one of 20 that have been supported by the Caithness Business Fund, which is being celebrated this week as part of Scottish Apprentice Week 2024.
Kian said: “This apprenticeship has been a huge boost to my confidence, knowing someone has invested in me has pushed me to work hard and further my career ambitions.
"I’ve always felt I learn better by taking an active role in what I am doing, Andrew has been a great mentor, and his support has been invaluable, I would like to advance further within the hospitality industry.”
Mr Makay said: “The hospitality sector is brimming with opportunities, and it's certainly a career that can take you all over the world, but there is also a valuable, viable and exciting career opportunity right here in the north Highlands.
"As an employer, we feel it is our responsibility to nurture our own home-grown talent, so we can cultivate skills, knowledge, and expertise.
“For us, it's not about keeping them forever, as much as we would love to, but enriching the hospitality sector overall and seeing our young workforce thrive. Support from the Caithness Business Fund is a great boost for our own business, and I would certainly encourage others to apply.”
The fund has provided support for 20 local apprenticeships across a diverse range of sectors and has recently announced its new FutureSkills initiative. Thanks to investment of £100,000 from NRS Dounreay and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, FutureSkills is designed to tackle skills shortages and drive investment in new opportunities for both businesses and young people in the far north.
In 2023, Skye Maccoll and Abigail Hooker joined Gow Groundworks as business administration apprentices and have quickly become invaluable members of the Gow Groundworks team.
Shona Kirk f Gow Groundworks said: “We have been delighted with how hardworking and enthusiastic both our young apprentices are. The opportunity to train and nurture our own talent means we can tailor the training exactly to our business needs. We can already see the impact our apprentices have had on the business and we are excited to see them grow and develop with the business.”
The Caithness Chamber of Commerce, which manages the fund, says it is helping to “level up” access to apprenticeships for small-to-medium enterprises in the region, ensuring businesses and organisations of all sizes are equipped with skills needed now and in the future.
Trudy Morris, executive director of the Caithness Business Fund, said: “It's clear we have some incredibly ambitious and talented young people in the north Highlands. Apprenticeships do have the power to energise the economy and give businesses the skills they need.
“We are delighted to have the backing of NRS Dounreay and the NDA on this initiative, which recognises the critical importance of apprentices in the workforce. The Caithness Business Fund has a strong track record of delivering on apprenticeship support and this seed funding provides a fantastic platform to help businesses to prosper.”
Apprenticeship grants are available to businesses which can demonstrate a strong commitment to hosting a modern apprenticeship, providing a supportive pathway and desire to grow and create employment. The FutureSkills initiative will offer eligible businesses the opportunity to access financial grant support of up to £24,500 over a maximum period of three years, towards employment and associated training costs of an apprentice.
