#ScottishCareersWeek - Sophie's tigers Journey
Sophie has recently rejoined tigers Group as a Digital Marketing Apprentice after previously working in childcare, including working in our own Lullaby Lane Nursery! Hear about Sophie's journey through the workplace and changing careers for #ScottishCareersWeek!
I started out my journey with tigers Group in August 2021 when I completed an Foundation Apprenticeship in Childhood Practice whilst also at school, this really benefited me as it gave me a chance to learn more about childcare before deciding if it was what I wanted to do when I left school.
I completed this course with Lisa who supported me throughout the full course, she was always very understanding and was happy to help with any issues or questions I had. This course was 2 afternoons a week, where they came out to the school to deliver it, this meant I was also able to focus on other subjects as well as completing this. Although this was only two days a week, Lisa was always available throughout the week if I had to email her for any help or questions. Halfway through this course, I was given the opportunity to go out to tigers' own nursery Lullaby Lane for placement, this is when I realised childcare was really what I wanted to do. August 2022 was when I completed and passed my childcare course, which gave me the courage to leave school and apply full time in a nursery.
Starting my apprenticeship journey
I was fortunate enough that tigers also offered Modern Apprenticeship positions in childcare. Lisa got in touch with Lullaby Lane to see if they had any MA positions available, and they then got in touch with me offering an interview. I passed the interview stage and was ready to start my new journey, I was very nervous to do this, but I had no doubts of how supportive tigers are, and that made me feel more at ease. I then started full time in the nursey, where I had an assessor called Lynsey who was also amazing and supported me through my MA, Lynsey was always so approachable and was always happy to help and support me where and when needed.
My position at Lullaby Lane was 4 days a week, 7:15am-6:15pm which was great because it then allowed me a day a week to focus on completing my coursework. This took me around 12 months to complete but was absolutely worth it. I was able to gain so much knowledge on this course through the course work but also being able to get the experience as well.
I was then a qualified practitioner and Lullaby kept me on, where I was able to do have more responsibility with planning and key children which was an amazing opportunity which allowed me to gain more confidence within childcare.
Lullaby and tigers have taught me so much, not only on childcare but also a lot about myself, my emotions and how to deal and look at things with an different approach and I am very grateful for that as it has helped me as a person. I loved the attachment-led approach that Lullaby offered I feel it is amazing for families, children and also staff. I made so many relationships and memories through Lullaby as I was there for a year and a half, but I wanted to experience what a nursery that wasn’t attachment-led was like so I decided to try out a new nursery and take everything I had learned and knew to a new environment which was a different experience.
The American adventure
I was in a new nursery for only 6 months when I started to reconsider if childcare was for me, the unknown of what I wanted to do gave me the courage to go on a new adventure, this was then when I took the leap to applying for Camp America. I applied online, got through to the interview stage and then was very lucky to be given the opportunity to go to Boston in the USA for 3 months. I left for the USA in May 2024, and was very nervous about this as I was going myself and not knowing anyone over there but it turned out to be the best thing for me. This pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me that there is so much to life and you really can do anything if you put your mind to it.
My journey into marketing began with an eye-opening experience while at Camp America this year, where I discovered how powerful and engaging communication can be in connecting with people and driving positive change. These experiences taught me how to connect with diverse individuals, manage responsibilities efficiently, and create engaging, supportive environments. However, my perspective shifted dramatically during my time at Camp America, where I was involved in helping organize events, promoting activities, and engaging with a wide audience.
At Camp America, I enjoyed contributing ideas that had interests with both staff and campers. I enjoyed the challenge of using creative strategies to increase participation and enhance the camp experience. I realised that my true passion lay in exploring how marketing can be used to influence and engage people on a larger scale.
Beginning the marketing journey
My transition from childcare to marketing is not as unconventional as it might seem. The skills I developed in my previous career—such as communication, problem-solving, and understanding diverse perspectives—are directly transferable to marketing. My experience in child care has given me a strong foundation in understanding audience needs, tailoring messages effectively, and building meaningful connections, all of which are crucial in marketing communications.
When arriving back from the USA in August, I reached out to Pauline and explained how I'm feeling towards completely changing my career path, Pauline is very approachable so I knew I was able to reach out to her about any potential opportunities. Pauline then put me in contact with Oliver, who is the marketing manager.
We met in person and spoke about what my thoughts were, what I wanted to do and why I wanted to change. Not long after our conversation Oliver was in touch to say he was able to offer me a Digital Marketing Apprenticeship full time.
So now here I am, returning back to tigers in a completely different job and feel just as supported as I did back when I began with tigers. I can only thank tigers for all the support and confidence they have given me over the years.
ACE-Aware Nation’s 2024 & 2025 events
We are thrilled to share news of two ACE-Aware Nation events we’re hosting in partnership with connected baby. The goal remains helping every single citizen of our country to better understand the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
The first event, “The Strength of Community,” will take place on 23rd October 2024. The questions ACE-Aware Nation will be exploring are: How exactly do health communities help human beings to thrive? What is about them that is so essential to the way we function as individuals? What can we do, in the midst of escalating poverty and disconnection, to strengthen our communities?
There could be no one better to help us in addressing these questions than this year’s invited speakers: Professor Sir Michael Marmot and Andy Burnham.
The second event, “The Biology of Belonging,” is scheduled for 7-8 May 2025. This ground breaking conference will delve into question: Human beings cannot thrive without a sense of belonging. Why? We will explore the science behind our innate need for connection and belonging, which is crucial for mental and emotional well-being.
This conference brings together world leading experts on this question. Each of these world-leading experts is well placed to speak on the reasons that belonging matters and on practical steps that can be taken to foster it. We are delighted to be able to welcome them to our shores. We are so pleased that the Scottish public can share in the insights they have to offer.
Day 1
Gordon Neufeld, Claudia Gold & Richard Schwartz
Day 2
Darren Burns, Darcia Narvaez & Daniel Siegel
Both events promise to offer invaluable insights and practical strategies for creating supportive, resilient communities. We would be delighted to see you join us at either!
Tickets for the events can be purchased through the following links:
We believe in the transformative power of compassion.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2024
Scottish Apprenticeship Week is always a highlight of the calendar here at tigers. We love to hear from candidates on their experiences during their apprenticeships, not only to hear about what they learned but also on how they’ve grown as an individual.
During the week we spoke to a range of Apprenticeships candidates, across Foundation and Modern Apprenticeships.
Aaron, Callum & Jack all completed Modern Apprenticeships as part of tigers Joint Venture with Morgan Sindall Construction and since completed their qualifications are now employed by Dalcon Civil Engineering working across Scotland!
Amyleigh & Harry first joined tigers when they undertook Foundation Apprenticeships while still at school. Since then they have both taken the next step and moved on to Modern Apprenticeships with Primrose City Nursery!
We also caught up with G4 Claims who have been upskilling their staff through SVQ’s in Management
Ewan found his opportunity with Paradigm Landscapes through tigers Joint Venture with Morgan Sindall Construction, he’s since completed his Modern Apprenticeship & joined Paradigm Landscapes as a Junior Landscaper!
We rounded off the week with Hollie sharing her story. After completing her Level 3 Hollie has taken the step up to Team Leader at Lullaby Lane, becoming a role model & inspiring the team around her as she now works towards her Level 4!
Scottish Apprenticeship Week also gave us an opportunity to again hear from our Schools partners, sharing the voices of teachers and pupils from Glasgow and West on the impact Foundation Apprenticeships have had in their schools.
You can find all of these videos over on our YouTube!
We’re already looking forward to Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025!
Clare's journey back to the workplace
I found out from a family friend about a new programme starting called the Women Returners. This programme was developed to help mothers with young children return to the workplace. As I had not worked since my daughter and son were born, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for me to gain some new skills which might help me to secure future employment.
When researching the programme, I found out that a local training company called tigers were delivering the courses in my area. I went onto to tigers website and saw that they delivered lots of different training programmes and had excellent testimonials from a wide variety of people. This gave me the confidence to apply to join the programme. I was very nervous and unsure of myself to begin with but the guy running the course put me at ease straight away. I found attending the course not only helped to build my confidence, I also gave me practical Microsoft Office experience. As part of the course, we were helped with CV writing, Job Applications and Interview Techniques. This was the kind of support I needed to get back into the workplace, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to return to the workplace.
I was told by the tutor that there was a vacancy for an administrator at Tigers and he thought I should apply. I was very anxious when I was invited for any interview. However, at the interview the panel were all very welcoming and helped to put me at ease. They told me about the company and what the main duties of the job role would be. They also assured me that they were aware that I had small children at nursery and school and where more than happy to be flexible with my working hours.
I was extremely happy to find out the same week of the interview that I had been successful and would be given the opportunity to join the team at Tigers. After a probationary period, I was offered a permanent contract, and was delighted. They also offered me the opportunity to gain a Modern Apprenticeship in Business & Administration Level 3. As I hadn’t studied since college over 10 years previously and had a young family, I was really worried about not being able to complete a qualification. However, they assured me that it was a work-based qualification and I would not be expected to do work at home. I meet with my assessor who explained all about the qualification and how my work duties would be part of the evidence needed for each unit. She also explained that she would visit me at work on a regular basis to observe me working and go over each unit and what was involved it gaining the evidence. I found this to be a really rewarding experience and it really helped me to understand my job better. Going through the individual units with my assessor gave me the confidence in my own ability and also gave me excellent new skills, which I could bring to my job.
I am really thankful to Tigers for giving me the opportunity to develop and grow new skills with excellent qualification which will help me to have a future career.
Clare Johnstone
Trainee Co-Ordinator
Third Lullaby Lane Nursery opens at Hogganfield Loch!
We first opened our doors at Lullaby Lane Westerton in October 2013, later Lullaby Lane Milngavie in 2017.
We opened with a simple ethos, to treat each child like they were our own, offering them love, compassion and a home from home.
We wanted our families to feel proud about the choice that they made for the care of their children. We wanted them to part from their children with the confidence and knowledge that they were leaving them in the care of people who were emotionally available and who would take their unique, precious child into their hearts.
We wanted to offer comfort and safety by providing cuddles and close connection.
On the 5th February we opened our doors to our 3rd nursery, Lullaby Lane Hogganfield at Golf It!. We will have the joy of welcoming more children and families who will experience our #AttachmentLedPractice and our emotionally attuned #FamilyCare. It truly is a privilege to be asked to care for someone’s child.
Our new venture is the collective achievement of our Lullaby team, present and past, supported by many of our teams across the Tigers Group. Our Hogganfield team stand on the shoulders of all their colleagues. This has been a true team effort to get to this stage.
We wish to thank Laura Devennie, Donna Adams, Christopher Keane, and Tracey Nimmo, none of this would have happened without their exceptional work and their immense courage. And to our friends and colleagues Jenny Brown, Russell Smith, The R&A, VS+YO, & Iain Smith for being visionary thinkers.
We must finish by thanking the person who has been part of this development from the very beginning, and who has been integral to all operations every step of the way, Brian Carmichael. As so accurately said by Jenny recently, “Brian is great, he makes things happen”. Thank you to our dear friend.
Welcome to Lullaby Lane Hogganfield. We cannot wait to see what adventures await our whole community 🎉🙏
Pauline and Ian Scott ❤️
Tigers School Partnerships
At tigers we are delighted to be working with over 20 schools across Glasgow and the West of Scotland delivering various Foundation Apprenticeships; these vocational qualifications are the equivalent to traditional highers in Scottish Schools.
This academic year we’ve proud to have welcomed 324 new Foundation Apprentices from six different Local Authority areas into our learning environments.
Our three learning academies are active in the schools delivering the following:
Our Business Skills Academy are delivering a Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Skills,
Our Early Years Academy are delivering a Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services Children and Young People (SSCYP),
Our Construction Academy are delivering a Foundation Apprenticeships in Construction Craft and Civil Engineering.
In recent weeks we have been sharing across our social media platforms some of the wonderful feedback from staff and pupils in our partner schools, we are humbled by their enthusiasm and generosity of commentary.
I think its good to actually be out and learning something that I want to do when I’m out of school. It’s better, it just feels like you’re just having fun.
Ashton Adamson, Bannerman High
Sam and Craig have just been amazing with the guys, they build relationships with pupils that struggle maybe to build relationships with the teachers across the school. They just get so much out of them, and the pupils get so much out of the course as well.
Lesley Mulholland, Principal Teacher of Employability, Bannerman High
It’s very engaging, I like how the teachers engages with the class. Demonstrations, activities basically, I like that about it. I think that’s better for learning, he’s talking all the time so you’re more likely to take it in. He cracks jokes while he’s at it, so people don’t get bored, and they don’t zone out. People are always in the zone when he’s there because makes it enjoyable.
Adam Cuthbertson, Trinity High
We understand that there is a need within our local context and nationally for a broader curriculum that offers more vocational based courses to meet the needs of all of our young people.
Dr. Ruth McGuire, PT Pastoral Care, Trinity High
If you’re interested in hearing more from all the schools we are working with and have visited to date you can head to our YouTube channel where each week we feature a new school, sharing positive stories of Vocational Education.
To follow us on social media you can here:
For the Love of Reading, Early Years and Beyond
By Early Years Assessor, Lynsey Beaton.
Whether you are 6 months old and curious about the world around you or an adult managing the ups and downs of life, a book can offer you comfort, connection, closeness, and a sense of escapism. As we navigate our way through life the simple joy that books can bring is something that we must hold on to in this fast world full of technology. Some of my earliest memories are getting tucked into bed and asking for “one more story” before drifting off to sleep. I know this isn’t always the same for all children, I know I was fortunate to have that connection.
When I was an early years practitioner I cherished story time, observing excited faces as they turned the next page and predicted what was going to happen next, cosied in with blankets and love in our story areas. It was a time for connection and physical proximity.
The recent expansion of Early Learning and Childcare across Scotland is an opportunity for professional practitioners to use the power of stories and story time to build trusting relationships with their children. We can consider both the physical and emotional environment and co-create cosy, soft and safe places to snuggle up with books. We can support our children to design their own stories and ignite that lifelong love for reading. When children feel safe, loved, supported, and regulated in their environment we can carefully interact and observe playful interactions, the place where communication and language start to thrive.
As we celebrate Book Week Scotland at Tigers, we are delighted to host the Scottish Book Launch of “My Family, Your Family” written by Laura Henry-Allain MBE, Laura explains her book “aims to share that all children and their families matter and how important it is for every child to see that there are diverse types of family that are different from their own. I have included, as an example, blended families, children who may have had a parent who has died, children who have parents who are the same sex/gender, and children who are adopted or fostered. It was important to use the correct terminology, such as surrogacy, kinship, and donor; these terms are the reality for some children and mirror their families.”
It is so important that children can see themselves within a variety of books, understanding and celebrating their differences, along with a sense of belonging. We look forward to an engaging afternoon of shared family stories and connection, where the adults in children’s life’s can take back Laura’s books and share them within their settings.
Reading is for adults too. Books can create a sense of belonging and relief as we can see parts of our own lives within the stories that we are reading. A book can stoke our imagination. You don’t just hold a book in your hands, you hold it in your mind, giving yourself permission to dream, to go on an adventure, to escape your everyday life, to feel connected, and to build empathy and compassion for others.
Reading really is a lifelong joy! Think about taking time to unplug the devices and pick that book up, you never know where it will take you…
Lullaby Lane Nurseries Opens Third Location at Golf It!
We're in partnership with The R&A!
We are thrilled to announce the opening of our third location at the Golf It! complex in Glasgow. This exciting expansion comes in partnership with The R&A, the esteemed governing organisation of golf. The new nursery will open on 5th February 2024 and will provide childcare for children from aged two until primary school age.
With the opening of our third nursery, Lullaby Lane aims to extend its Attachment-Led ethos, prioritising the emotional needs of our children, to meet the growing demand for early learning and childcare facilities in Glasgow.
Pauline Scott, our owner and Managing Director expressed her enthusiasm for the new venture, stating, “We are absolutely delighted to open our third nursery at the Golf It! complex in Glasgow, in collaboration with The R&A. This partnership allows us to provide a high-quality care service to families, while being a part of a thriving, community-driven sports hub. This partnership has been values aligned from the beginning. We share the vision of creating community spaces where children can develop their individual talents and self-belief, in fun, playful, and experiential environments.”
Pauline added, “We believe in providing emotionally attuned, uniquely responsive, and loving relationships that support the healthy biological development of our children. We know that children’s learning, exploration, and creativity is optimised when they are in the presence of emotionally regulated and developmentally informed adults. We believe in the adage ‘start with the adults present in the lives of children’ and we will be sharing our ethos and practice with our families by offering them our unique ‘Daring Ventures’ programme in partnership with renowned developmental psychologist, Dr Suzanne Zeedyk. We look forward to welcoming families to visit our nursery throughout December and January, and to officially welcoming our first families in February.”
We are delighted to announce that Christopher Keane, our current Deputy Manager at Lullaby Lane Nursery Milngavie will become the new nursery manager.
Chris commented, “I am honoured to be part of the Lullaby Lane Nurseries team and excited to lead our new nursery at Golf It! We are dedicated to partnering with our families to ensure each child receives the individual care they deserve. Our Attachment-Led Practice aims to support our children’s emotional safety by creating a home from home environment where we put the emotional well-being of the child at the core of all our practice and policies. An example of this is that at Lullaby Lane we offer our families free and unlimited settling in (building a relationship) sessions that are child-led. We also encourage home visits so that the child’s care practitioner can spend time with our children in their own environment. This helps to develop secure and trusting relationships before it is time for families to separate from their children.
As the manager, it is my responsibility to care for the adults who are caring for the children. I believe in prioritising the emotional wellness of our team and providing them with learning opportunities that build their confidence and knowledge in the science of Attachment Theory, early brain development, play and learning.”
Families interested in applying for a place at Lullaby Lane Nurseries can visit the company’s website at www.lullabylanenurseries.com or contact the nursery directly to schedule a visit on hogganfield@lullabylanenursery.co.uk.
324 New Foundation Apprentices join tigers
Our new academic year has started with real purpose across our three thriving learning academies.
We are proud to have welcomed 324 new Foundation Apprentices from 6 different Local Authority areas into our learning environments since the beginning of September 2023.
In the words of our Group Managing Director, Pauline Scott, “At tigers we understand that significant learning and development only happens in the presence of secure, positive relationships.”
“Creating environments, alongside our values aligned partners, that support that understanding, we believe is a key driver in the success of our Foundation Apprenticeship delivery,” said Alex Wright our Business Skills Academy Manager.
The pupils drawn from 20 schools across the West of Scotland will undertake a range of Foundation Apprenticeships in the following industry sectors ;
- Construction
- Business Skills
- Early Years
Tigers Foundation Apprenticeships’ offer pupils the opportunity to move out of the traditional classroom and learn through vocational education in tandem with our ethos of relationship led practice.
At tigers we believe that a vocational education is a first class education and in the coming weeks we will be sharing further commentary from our partners and apprentices, who have experienced our Foundation Apprenticeship delivery in the previous academic year, who echo that sentiment.
You can follow that commentary and share your own experiences both here and on our social media channels.
For the next eight weeks we will share more content from our schools partners, across our socials at 8am each Friday morning, starting next week 27th October when you will hear from Bannerman High School in Glasgow about their tigers experience in 2022/23.
Inspiring Potential since 2001.
Tigers and Partick Thistle team up to promote skills development
Tigers are thrilled to work alongside Partick Thistle and a group of young apprentice footballers as they kick off their, in club, learning by studying for a Digital Marketing Diploma early in their footballing careers.
A diploma which will see the young players learn skills in;
The principles of Social Media and Goal Setting
Imaging and Video Software
Content Marketing and Online Advertising
Blogging and Search Marketing
Data Analysis and Reporting
Business Environments, Regulations, Legalities and Ethics
John Gibson, Chairman of the Tigers Group shared that,” At Tigers we exist to inspire and support people to develop their infinite potential and we see this initiative as being reflective of that purpose. Tigers have a strong, long standing, values aligned, relationship with Partick Thistle Football Club and we applaud the club for embracing the opportunity to offer learning and skills development which will ultimately provide young footballers with choice as they progress on their career journeys.”
Chief Commercial and Operations Office at Partick Thistle, Beth Adamson, commented that, “We are thrilled to have the Tigers Group supporting our modern apprentices throughout their 2-year apprenticeship. The innovative marketing course has already captured the imagination of our 6 apprentices who look forward to each session with course leader Oliver Butler, learning exciting techniques in the world of marketing and media.
Tigers Group have a proven record of providing young people with the tools they require to succeed in the world of work, so it is really exciting for us to be working closely with them for our apprenticeship scheme.”
We asked the young footballers why they were opting to take part in the Digital Marketing qualification.
Jamie said, “I’m doing it so that I’ve got a plan b just in case football doesn’t work and it’s a good opportunity to learn something new. In the future I’d like to create a business, so I think it would help with that and it’s going to give me some of the skills to know how to do it.”
Jai commented, “I’m doing it to find a different way of opening your own business, something different from football. Knowing how to do different social media posts and put them out there.”
Our lead trainer, the inimitable Oliver Butler, commented on the first day of training, “I’m hoping to support the young players learning about the world of digital marketing and give them something to think about when their illustrious playing careers are over. Today we’re covering a bit of social media, best practice, the tools available to you and how to make a real success on social media.”
For further details and to find out how tigers can support your own club or organisation through Modern Apprenticeship training delivery contact office@tigersltd.co.uk