A LAUDER civil servant is in the running to be named Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year.

Rachael Hughes, a former pupil at Earlston High, has been shortlisted for Skills Development Scotland’s Scottish Apprenticeship Awards which celebrate the best apprentices and their employers.

Rachael was the first procurement Modern Apprentice in the Scottish Government’s procurement and commercial directorate.

Her efforts have won her a place as a finalist in the Apprentice Ambassador category of the awards, which will take place on Thursday November 15 at Perth Concert Hall.

She said: “I am really pleased to be a finalist and it was a complete surprise when I found out.

"Earning while learning is definitely a great and worthwhile approach.”

Scottish Government’s Senior Capability Development Office Gregor Hutton said: “We are proud Rachel’s great attitude and work ethic have been recognised.”

Rachael saw the apprenticeship opportunity through Skills Development Scotland My World of Work.

During her time as an apprentice, she helped others in the Scottish Government develop their roles, wrote a report on her experience and acted as buddy to other apprentices.

She led on the national ‘Procurement People of Tomorrow’ forum which focuses on creating, developing and retaining new procurement talent.

Her efforts have also been rewarded with a recent promotion to procurement contract manager.

SDS Director of National Training Programmes, Katie Hutton, said: “The calibre of this year’s finalists demonstrates again that apprenticeships are making a significant contribution to Scotland’s economy and companies across the country.”

Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills Jamie Hepburn MSP said: “Apprenticeships are life-changing opportunities that provide young people with the opportunity to work and earn while achieving and industry recognised qualification to support their future career ambitions.

“The awards are an opportunity for us to celebrate the continued contribution apprentices, employers and training providers make to our economy, as well as allowing us to recognise the achievements of the talented apprentices themselves and for the first time, their dedicated training champions.”