How a Modern Apprenticeship helped change Thomas's life

About Public Health Scotland

Public Health Scotland (PHS) is an NHSScotland Board. It was established on 1 April 2020 to tackle health inequalities and improve the lives of 5.5 million people in Scotland.

Like other NHSScotland employers, PHS is committed to conscious inclusion, creating a sense of belonging and a shared purpose within its workforce. The organisation encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. PHS champions diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing and aims to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Find out more about careers at PHS.

Business and Administration Modern Apprenticeship programme

Thomas is a Modern Apprentice Administration Assistant at PHS. He works in the people support and development team, where he:

• manages the team mailbox and replies to emails
• arranges meetings
• sets up inductions for new starts
• delegates work

He has also joined the disability, neurodivergence and long-term conditions staff network and provides admin support to the group.

What's a typical work week like for Thomas?

Each week, Thomas spends 4 days on work tasks and one day on his coursework. He can ask for extra time to do coursework if he needs it. 

Thomas's team supports him with day-to-day tasks. He has dyscalculia, which means he finds numbers challenging. If any calculations are needed, Thomas's colleagues are there to help him.

Thomas is also given written instructions with bullet point lists, and meetings are recorded to help him review and retain important information. He also has regular chats with his manager.

Hybrid working and reasonable adjustments

PHS supports hybrid working, and Thomas can work from home or the office. He doesn't have set days when he is expected to be in the office, so this can sometimes be tricky. 

For the days Thomas is in the office, the health and safety team did a display screen equipment assessment so he could get an ergonomic office chair.

A life-changing experience

Thomas says that the best thing about doing a Modern Apprenticeship is meeting new people, learning new skills, and becoming more independent. "I’ve had the opportunity to share my experience with others and speak at conferences about Public Health Scotland’s employability support. I even wrote a blog post for the staff conference that was recognised by the chief executive!"

As an apprentice ambassador, Thomas attends events in schools, colleges, and universities providing information about apprenticeship programmes.

What's next for Thomas?

At the end of the Modern Apprenticeship programme, Thomas will have learned new skills and be awarded an SVQ in Business Administration at SCQF level 6.

Thomas hopes to continue working in the NHS after he completes the Modern Apprenticeship. He would like to work in an admin team or have a job focused on improving equality and diversity.

The Modern Apprenticeship has changed Thomas's life and helped him develop personally and professionally. He says, "I'm proud to work for an organisation that improves the health and wellbeing of people and communities across Scotland."