Scottish Crannog Centre

Pilot apprenticeship scheme

Although it suffered a devastating fire in June 2021, the Scottish Crannog Centre by Loch Tay in Perthshire has not slowed down its work to increase employment opportunities and support vocational learning in the local area.

The centre began its pilot apprenticeship scheme in August 2020, when it was joined by five full-time apprentices working towards their accredited Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ), as well as gaining knowledge and work experience for future employment.

The apprentices collectively engaged with all 6,500 visitors to the crannog during the autumn. They have taken on board a huge amount in terms of work, ethics, delivery and confidence in their ability to do the job set in front of them.

They have also given back to the Crannog, as the new ideas and young voices have enlivened the museum interpretation and strengthened the roles of the museum within both the local and crannog community.

Visitors have regularly fed back that a highlight of their visit was being engaged and inspired by this group of young people. It has also highlighted new strengths in the existing staff members, and they are currently training to become verified Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) assessors with the aim to make the museum an Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) centre. This will support the museum to increase employability in the local area by providing apprenticeship assessments both at the Scottish Crannog Centre and other businesses.

The apprentices are also undertaking sponsored activities to raise money for the museum following the fire.

The apprenticeship scheme was made possible thanks to partners, Breadalbane Academy, and funding from Museums Galleries Scotland, the Gannochy Trust, SSE Renewables, Perth & Kinross Council.

The museum plans to relocate to a new facility in the next few years.