IT and Financial Services Recruitment specialists Bright Purple Resourcing has been recognised for its commitment in helping develop young talent, winning top honours at this year’s Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Awards. The firm won the Small Business category, winning plaudits for its ‘significant contribution/commitment to the Modern Apprenticeship programme’.
The award followed the firm’s launch in January of its inaugural Bright Futures Programme, an initiative designed to give six long-term unemployed apprentices hands-on work experience and personal development to build self-esteem and release their full potential.
During the programme the apprentices worked towards an SVQ in Business Administration, taking on a range of challenging UK and international projects to develop their knowledge of the business world. The recruits worked alongside inspirational and dynamic mentors from Bright Purple’s team and its extensive network of external global contacts. They also met with a number of inspiring people during the programme, including serial entrepreneur Tom Hunter; Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Muhammed Yunus.
Since the conclusion of the first Bright Futures Programme, two of the apprentices continue to work full time within the business, developing their expertise in hands-on support roles.
Commenting on the award, Bright Purple CEO Nick Price said: “As a company that is committed to training and career development, we really are thrilled to win this award. It recognises the quality, accreditation-focused structure of the Bright Futures Programme along with the many inspirational elements that were introduced to inspire our apprentices.”
Organised and run by Skills Development Scotland, Scotland's Modern Apprenticeship Awards 2012 showcase those who have, through their involvement in Modern Apprenticeships, demonstrated initiative, enterprise and outstanding commitment to the improvement of skills development for the Scottish economy.
A spokesperson for Skills Development Scotland said: “Bright Purple shows how companies of any size can help people take that all important first step on their career journey through Modern Apprenticeships. The Modern Apprenticeship programme is fast becoming the route of choice for many young people and we hope that other employers will follow Bright Purple’s example by creating opportunities for individuals to gain new skills and experience.”