Scottish youths learn skills for life as Balhousie Care Group steps up apprenticeship opportunities

Two youths from Dundee, Scotland have been participating in valuable work experience – and a peek into life in a busy care home – as part of a drive to increase apprenticeship opportunities.

Balhousie St Ronans, part of the award-winning Balhousie Care Group, have the two teenagers on work experience placements in its kitchen, where Daniel Inglis – head chef – has been teaching them.

James Davidson is on work experience from St John’s RC High School, Dundee, while Matthew Craig is a student at Dundee’s Morgan Academy doing his placement as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Mr Davidson is now spending one day a week there following a successful placement.

Mr Inglis said: “I come in here in my own time to mentor them and when I’m working I’ll stay late to teach. I don’t teach people for credit or thanks, I do it because I love passing on what other chefs have taught me over the years. In catering there is no better feeling. I couldn’t be prouder of both young lads.”

Apprenticeships play an important role in Balhousie Care Group’s corporate agenda.

Denise McCorkindale, home manager at Balhousie St Ronans, said: “Our care homes are as much a pat of the community as they are homes for our residents. That’s why it’s important to us to invite in school and college pupils to soak up the experience of working in a care home and providing the services we do.

“Daniel is to be commended for his hard work in mentoring, and the whole care home team for taking James and Matthew under their wing.”

Claire Docherty, head of operations at Balhousie Care Group, said: “We see it as our duty as an employer to provide opportunities for our local youth. Apprenticeships and work-based learning play an increasingly important role for our youth and our workforce and we’re proud to be involved with them.”

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