Employment
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
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
Inspiring Potential since 2001.
the close community
We invite you to join the close community
An experience exploring early childhood development & relationships
At tigers we believe the answer to many of the challenges being faced by our children & young people is connection and love.
This belief is what inspired us to create this single day experience which brings together inspirational speakers who will interweave the science of connection with stories and experiences of impact offering you invaluable insight to support your daily interaction with our children and young people.
Our speakers are:
John Carnochan, Co-founder of Scottish Violence Reduction Unit
Kate Silverton, Author, Journalist & Child Therapist
Nikki Black MBE, Nursery Head in Glasgow
Ryan McCaig, Lawyer & Speaker
Dr. Suzanne Zeedyk, Developmental Psychologist
In the words of Early Years Academy Manager, Yvonne Stanley; “This experience will bring a community of people together from a variety of sectors, exploring the significance of relationships to support children and young people’s wellbeing.
We are seeing the struggles of our children and young people who are presenting with ever increasing levels of anxiety, concern, uncertainty, and stress. We believe the impact of COVID 19 has only served to heighten these feelings
It will provide an opportunity for us all to understand how relationships surrounded by love and connection really can make a difference.”
Inspiring Potential since 2001.
Tigers and BE-ST combine to support young apprentices
In Scottish Apprenticeship Week we are delighted to share news of a fresh collaboration between ourselves at Tigers Group and the team at BE-ST Built Environment – Sustainable Transformation (formerly the Construction Innovation Centre).
Having successfully bid for and been awarded a contract to deliver Foundation Apprenticeships by South Lanarkshire Council our colleagues at Tigers Construction Academy are delighted to share that we will host this training programme at BE-ST premises in Blantyre.
The environment at BE-ST offers our young apprentices – drawn from a number of schools across South Lanarkshire – a safe learning space, surrounded by innovation and we at tigers are pleased that BE-ST were keen to offer access to their resources supporting the young people’s learning.
We are confident that collaborating with values aligned and purpose driven partners will add to the learning experience of the young apprentices participating on this Construction Craft Level 5 programme.
On behalf of BE-ST, deputy CEO Douglas Morrison said, “Foundation apprenticeships are not only a vital investment in the future of our developing workforce, but also a powerful tool for supporting sustainable development. By equipping young people with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the construction industry, we can accelerate our transition to a zero carbon built environment. We are delighted to support Tigers and South Lanarkshire Council to nurture and empower our next generation of construction professionals, for the benefit of our planet, our industry, and our communities.”
Tigers Group Commercial Director, Gerry Hamill, also commented, “We are excited to see our relationship with a values based, purpose driven partner flourish in this way. We believe young people learn best, grow and thrive, in whatever career they choose, when they’re fully supported in a safe environment. Delivering our Foundation Apprenticeship programme at BE-ST will provide our young learners with exactly that. At tigers we are focussed on supporting young people to develop their infinite potential and vocational education offers that opportunity.”
South Lanarkshire Councils, Scott McDermott also added, “The delivery of the Foundation Apprentices in construction at level 5 is part of our Work based learning ‘Gradu8’ programme targeted at pupils in their senior phase of school. Pupils love these courses as they provide practical based skills and qualifications that offer a route into the construction industry. We are delighted to be working in partnership with TIGERS training to design and deliver this construction training in a dynamic and flexible way. We are excited see the benefits a sector leading company such as BE-ST can provide to the overall experience for our young people.”
You can follow the journey of our young apprentices on our social media channels and on our website at learnwithtigers.co.uk in the coming weeks and months.
For further information or to discuss future potential partnership opportunities with tigers please send an e-mail in the first instance to office@tigersltd.co.uk
Inspiring Potential since 2001.
Tigers growing delivery in Scotland
Tigers 22nd year sees our training and apprenticeships delivery continue to grow with our three core academies specialising in Construction, Early Learning & Childcare and Business Skills now supporting young people across Scotland.
In recent years we have moved beyond Glasgow delivery to regions throughout the country including Ayrshire, North and South Lanarkshire, East and West Dunbartonshire as well as more distant destinations such as Aberdeen and Shetland.
Our expanding delivery model now includes Foundation Apprenticeships which offer school pupils in S4, S5 and S6 opportunities to get out of the classroom environment whilst experiencing a vocational and experiential approach to learning including accessing valuable relevant work experience.
Recent exciting developments at tigers include our Joint Venture programme for Modern Apprentices with Morgan Sindall Construction as well as the launch of our innovative Enhanced Apprenticeships in Play and Attachment. Both programmes strive to connect learners with industry professionals willing to share knowledge and expertise. We believe this blended approach to vocational education heightens learning and enriching the participant experience.
We will strive to continue developing meaningful collaborations with values aligned, purpose driven partners which create exciting opportunities for our young people across Scotland. To explore joining us on this journey you can connect with us via office@tigersltd.co.uk
Inspiring Potential since 2001.
Construct Your Future – A New Schools Initiative
tigers and The Prince’s Trust are proud to announce an exciting partnership, between two values based and purpose driven organisations, that will benefit young people from over 20 secondary schools across the West of Scotland.
The programme, ’Construct Your Future’, has been designed to provide young people with an introduction to the exciting world of Construction, a chance to explore what careers are available to them and an opportunity to gain valuable industry qualifications.
This programme is not just about learning practical skills, it’s about discovering new passions, expressing oneself, and building self-esteem and confidence.
Group Commercial Director, Gerry Hamill expressed delight sharing, “At tigers we believe that significant learning and development only takes place in the presence of secure, positive relationships. Alongside our friends at The Princes Trust we aim to create an environment that will see young people thrive. We are thrilled to see this partnership embrace our model of Relationship Led Practice.”
On behalf of The Princes Trust, Head of Delivery Partnerships & Volunteering, Helena Inverarity said… ‘We are delighted to be working with tigers in schools across the Glasgow City Region to deliver this programme. tigers deliver sector leading skills development in a positive and safe environment for young people to set goals and recognise their potential. Working together with tigers supports our mission to build young people’s confidence and skills, and prepare them for their future’
Construction Operations Manager, Steven Manclark, also confirmed on behalf of tigers that;
“We’re absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with the Prince’s Trust, knowing that we are able to offer a significant number of young people from schools across the West an opportunity to come in and experience the construction sector. We aim to support the young people gain positive experiences and outcomes.”
For further information or to find out how we can build a new partnership together contact office@tigersltd.co.uk
Inspiring Potential since 2001.
Apprenticeships
My apprenticeship journey
When I first started my apprenticeship, my weekly salary was around £92, this was working 5 days a week, 8am – 4.30pm. I had moved from an office based role where I was smartly dressed, always warm and had coffee on tap! It felt like I had made a huge mistake at that point, little was I to know an apprenticeship was about to change my life.
After completing 4 years as a painting and decorating apprentice, I travelled the world, lectured in a college and had a go at working self-employed. I loved my job and it always gave me satisfaction, one thing that was very obvious though was the need for more tradespeople on site. There was always a constant shortage, alongside this I had been working with young people who were desperate to do well for themselves however found their personal circumstances creating barriers they were unable to remove. That’s when I began working for tigers as a trainer/assessor, I worked directly alongside the apprentices and had a unique opportunity to make a real difference in their lives. 5 years on and I find myself with the absolute privilege of being able to being part of helping to create a brand new joint venture alongside Morgan Sindall paving the way for 30 young people to enter into an apprenticeship. When I stood up to welcome everyone to the launch event it was great to finally be announcing the start of the joint venture, but the thing that filled me with so much pride and hope was seeing the amount of people there willing to be involved in helping these young people achieve their goals.
What we need to do
If you are reading this, then like me you have a passion for the construction industry. Apprenticeships are the bread and butter of this sector and are key to addressing the skills shortages. Construction News recently produced an article advising the construction industry would need almost 217,000 new construction workers by 2025. No employer, college or training provider can do that alone, if there has ever been a time for the industry to come together, it is now. It is our obligation to work together to inspire and support young people to enter the industry whilst ensuring we have a sector that can continue to offer fantastic opportunity and continue to operate at the heart of the UK economy.