From Full-Time Student to Modern Apprentice at ScotRail

When Rhona left school, she knew she wanted a career in engineering. Having enjoyed Engineering, Maths and Physics at school, she wanted to follow a path that would allow her to build on these strengths while gaining practical, hands-on experience.

However, with her school not running Advanced Higher Engineering Science during her final year, Rhona began exploring alternative pathways and decided to enrol on the HNC Mechatronics course at City of Glasgow College.

“I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to go down the mechanical or electrical route, so Mechatronics was perfect because it combined both.”

Building Confidence Through College

Coming to college was a major step for Rhona and quickly helped her grow in confidence, independence, and communication skills.

She found college very different from school, enjoying the increased freedom, responsibility, and more adult learning environment. Travelling independently into Glasgow and meeting new people also helped her become more confident personally and academically.

“College gave me a lot of confidence. I preferred it to school because you were treated more like an adult.”

Although some of the academic and theoretical aspects of the HNC were challenging, Rhona remained committed and engaged throughout the course.

“The HNC could be difficult at times, especially the theory work, but the support from lecturers really helped.”

Rhona also spoke positively about the support she received from college staff. During a period where she was absent through illness, lecturers ensured Rhona was supported upon her return and able to continue progressing through with assessments successfully.

Turning College Experience Into Employment

While studying at college, Rhona began applying for apprenticeship opportunities. She applied to more than 50 employers and attended several interviews across the engineering sector.

The college regularly shared apprenticeship vacancies and opportunities with students, helping Rhona stay informed about available roles and recruitment opportunities. She applied for three separate roles with ScotRail, including two multi-skilled positions and one Systems apprenticeship role — ultimately securing the Systems apprenticeship.

“Coming to college really helped me when applying for apprenticeships because I had practical examples and projects to talk about in interviews.”

The skills Rhona developed through her HNC, particularly in robotics and programming helped her stand out during interviews and gave her real examples of teamwork, problem-solving, and technical ability.

Her strong attendance, engagement in practical activities, and commitment to learning all contributed to building the confidence and experience employers were looking for.

Returning to College as an Apprentice

After successfully securing her apprenticeship with ScotRail, Rhona returned to the same college to complete the first year of her apprenticeship training full-time.

For first-year apprentices, ScotRail delivers training in partnership with the college, allowing apprentices to complete their Performing Engineering Operations (PEO) and academic qualifications before progressing fully into the workplace and focusing on their Diploma 7 work-based qualification.

Returning to a familiar environment made the transition into apprenticeship life much easier.

“It definitely helped that my apprenticeship was at the same college because I already knew some of the lecturers and knew my way around the building.”

Rhona is enjoying the workshop-based learning and appreciates how lecturers link practical tasks to real workplace situations, enabling apprentices to apply them effectively on the job

Her apprenticeship work will involve repair, maintenance, and installation activities across train stations throughout Scotland’s central belt, with opportunities to work across different locations in the future.

Advice for Future Students

Rhona would strongly encourage other students considering a career in engineering to explore the college route and fully engage with the opportunities available to them.

“College helped me gain confidence, practical experience, and the skills I needed to secure an apprenticeship. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone thinking about a career in engineering.”