Ava McConnachie is currently thriving in her role as Lothian’s HR Apprentice and is relishing the chance to learn more about the transport industry. She feels that her apprenticeship has given her access to an opportunity that many other young people may not have realised was there.

“Before applying for the apprenticeship, I would never have thought about going into the transport industry,” she revealed. “My apprenticeship has really opened doors for me and helped me discover something that I’m really passionate about.”

Joining Lothian straight from school, Ava was attracted to the HR apprenticeship through her interest in the field, knowing that HR is central to any business in any industry. Naturally curious and inquisitive, she was intrigued to learn how HR played a role at Lothian.

Ava is delighted with her own personal development at Lothian and admits she’s learned so much in her time so far. She feels valued in her role and the on-the-job training at Lothian allows her to learn her new profession while directly contributing to the business and earning a wage too.

“It makes me feel important,” says Ava. “Earning a wage was a huge factor in me applying for the role. I’ve always had a good work ethic – I had a job while at school, working weekends and after school.”

Ava is also learning a lot about herself. She believes she’s become more confident in her time at Lothian, especially when chatting to colleagues from departments across the business. She feels more professional every day and has jumped at the chance presented to her.

While she would love to stay at Lothian post-apprenticeship, Ava knows that the experience she’s gaining within the HR function is something she can apply elsewhere. Her apprenticeship has kicked started what she hopes will be a long, successful career in the HR field.

“I would love to continue at Lothian after my training ends,” Ava said. “My apprenticeship has been a great way to start at the business. “I’ve learned a lot about HR and working in an office environment. My experience will be beneficial to me for my whole career.”

Ava found the jump from school to a full-time working environment challenging initially, as well as working in the transport industry, typically described as a male-dominated industry. However, after just six months at the company, she is delighted she made the decision to pursue a career here.

“I’ve met some amazing people in a short space of time,” said Ava. “I was nervous about coming in as a young female trying to find my way. However, everyone has been really lovely and made me feel welcome. My time here has been enjoyable.”

Maia Hiram is pursuing a career in a field she is passionate about as Lothian’s Data Analyst Apprentice.

Having completed a degree in International Relations, Maia was drawn to data analytics having enjoyed an introductory class on the field during her studies. The Data Analyst Modern Apprenticeship at Lothian came at the perfect time for her.

“I wanted to specialise in data analytics right away,” Maia said. “The apprenticeship allows me to further develop my skills but also have a full-time job at the same time.”

The on-the-job learning at Lothian is a big positive for Maia. She enjoys working in an environment where she can put her learnings to practical use immediately, something which is adding to the all-round positive experience she’s enjoyed at Lothian.

“It makes me feel valued and appreciated,” said Maia. “It definitely makes me feel like I’m pulling my weight, and I genuinely take pride in what I’m doing. Some of the projects I’m working on will be ongoing for a few years.” She added: “It makes me feel great that I’ve been able to get in at the start of these projects and contribute to them right away.”

Having experienced both further education and an apprenticeship, Maia thinks the combination of learning and practical work, while not for everyone, is a major factor in why she would recommend a modern apprenticeship at Lothian.

“In university, you were just learning, however at Lothian I’m learning and applying that learning in what I do every day,” she said. “It feels I’m remembering things better now, and I can develop my skillset as I go during the training.”

Maia has hit the ground running and believes she can use her apprenticeship to kick-start a long, successful career at Lothian working in a field she’s dedicated to.

“I think the skills that I’m learning are helping the business push these projects along,” Maia said. “I’ve been so heavily involved in the projects so far and have worked well with my own team and integrating with other teams around the business.

“I really hope to stay on at Lothian and continue what I’ve started.”

Maia strives to go as far as she can, believe she is filling a niche at the company with her work on data analytics. She has been inspired by the colleagues around her, many of whom have been at Lothian for a long time.

“My passion in data analytics fills a niche at the company,” Maia stated. “I would prefer to stay at one place and forge a career. I’m surrounded by so many colleagues who have been here for such a long time. My time here so far has been so positive.

“Lothian is a place that people are happy and comfortable to stay at for decades.”