On 5 March 2025, Mandy Choi, Head of Engagement and Influencing at MCR Pathways, attended the Scottish Apprenticeship Week Parliamentary Reception at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. This event was a key highlight of Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025, which ran from 3 to 7 March, celebrating the vital role apprenticeships play in equipping Scotland’s workforce with the skills and experience needed for the future.
Sponsored by Pam Gosal MSP and hosted by Skills Development Scotland, the reception brought together key figures from across government, industry, education, and training sectors. The event provided a platform to discuss the evolving landscape of apprenticeships and the opportunities they create for young people. A ministerial address from Graeme Dey MSP, Minister for Higher Education, Further Education, and Veterans, reinforced the government’s commitment to apprenticeships as a critical pathway to employment and career development. Both Ms. Gosal and Mr. Dey emphasised the transformative impact of apprenticeships, not just for individuals but for Scotland’s economy and society as a whole.
A particularly inspiring moment was hearing directly from former apprentices and the Apprentice of the Year 2025, who shared their personal journeys and successes. Their stories demonstrated the real-world impact of apprenticeships—helping young people develop confidence, resilience, and practical skills essential for thriving in their chosen industries.
For MCR Pathways, which is dedicated to mentoring and supporting young people, particularly those from care-experienced backgrounds, the event reaffirmed the importance of ensuring equitable access to apprenticeship opportunities at all levels – Foundation, Modern, and Graduate. Yve Barry, Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Young People), also recently attended Staf’s Minimum Income Guarantee for Care Leavers Parliamentary Event. This event called on the Scottish Government to commit to a Minimum Income Guarantee by piloting a Care Leavers scheme for Modern Apprenticeships. This is being proposed to ensure young people leaving care do not fall below basic income levels. Far too often care leavers are dropping out or not signing up to this valuable route to skilled employment due to low wages and extra costs. You can find out more here.
By engaging with partners, policymakers, employers, and training providers, MCR Pathways remains committed to ensuring these opportunities are equally available for our young people and the necessary support is in place to help them overcome barriers and reach their full potential.
The Parliamentary Reception was more than just a celebration of apprenticeship success—it was a call to action. It reinforced the need for businesses, training providers, and policymakers to strengthen pathways into apprenticeships, ensuring they remain accessible, inclusive, and beneficial for all young people across Scotland.
