Every one a winner.

Byline: By Lou Prendergast

THE stars of Scotland's workforce have been rewarded for their success at a major awards ceremony .

Deputy Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Minister Allan Wilson announced the winners of the Scottish Modern Apprenticeships Awards 2004 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh.

Supported by the Daily Record and Sunday Mail, the ceremony celebrated the high standards being achieved by the candidates, cent res and employers involved in the scheme. MAs combine paid employment with the opportunity to train for jobs at craft, technician and management level.

They are managed by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

And one shining example of how well the scheme works is Murray Coghill - the latest in a long line of Rolls-Royce apprentices who have trained at the Vulcan Naval Reactor Test Establishment facility in Caithness. He follows in the footsteps of his father who was the first Rolls Royce apprentice in 1966.

Although he had acquired enough qualifications to study engineering at university, Murray decided a Modern Apprenticeship was for him.

Four years of hard work saw him successfully complete his SVQ Level 3, Higher National Certificate and, as a result, his Modern Apprenticeship.

Murray's aptitude and commitment so impressed his manager that he was offered a position as a trainee design draughtsperson. He quickly finished his HND in 2003 and was promoted to design draughtsperson.

Such has been his success that Murray is now supporting the development of the company's younger apprentices.

And no-one is pleased to hear how well Modern Apprenticeships are serving those who want to learn than Deputy Education and Lifelong Learning Minister Allan Wilson.

He said: 'Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland are assisting people of all ages to fulfil their potential.They are helping employers ensure their workers have the skills needed to succeed in a competitive market place.

'These twin objectives - providing improved employment opportunities for individuals and meeting industry needs for skilled labour - demonstrate the effectiveness of MAs.

'They ensure Scotland can compete effectively in a global economy as a good place to live, work and do business.'

The awards showcased apprentices, employers and organisations demonstrating excellence in various categories.

Alan Sinclair, director of skills and learning at Scottish Enterprise, said: 'The awards have highlighted the success stories and high levels of achievement in the MA programme.

'In Scotland, there are more than 30,000 people participating in the MA programme, with vital support from the business community.

'More than 14,000 Scottish-based employers are engaged in MAs as they recognise the benefits of their involvement in realising workforce potential, productivity and business growth.'

Alex Paterson, director of developing skills, Highlands and Islands Enterprises, believes Modern Apprenticeships are one of the most successful skills initiatives ever.

He said: 'They offer real jobs, with vocational training leading to recognised qualifications and demand from young people across the Highlands and Islands has far exceeded our expectations.

The winners Apprentice Achievement (Continuing Personal Development),and Outstanding Achievement award - Murray Coghill, Rolls-Royce, Dounreay Apprentice Achievement (Contribution to others) - Alex Brand, FR Aviation Services, Kinloss Apprentice Achievement (Overcoming the odds) - Kris Hutton, Lothian and Borders Police, Edinburgh Employer (Small) - Bayhead Dental Practice, Stornoway Employer (Medium) --Pointer Ltd, Glasgow Employer (Large) - Scottish Gas Engineering Academy, Glasgow Training Provider - EMTEC, Coatbridge Partnership - Scottish Rugby Union with Dawes Training Consultancy For details about Modern Apprentices, visit www.modernapprenticeships.com or contact your local Careers Scotland centre on 0845 8502 502.

CAPTION(S):

REWARDING EXCELLENCE: Left to right, Kris Hutton of Lothian and Borders Police and Murray Coghill of Rolls-Royce with MSP Allan Wilson and Alex Brand of FR Aviation Services, Kinloss