About Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)
HIE is an ambitious organisation with a remit from the Scottish Government that integrates economic and community development. With around 300 staff, HIE supports hundreds of businesses and social enterprises across the Highlands and Islands. HIE works in a diverse region covering more than half of Scotland’s land mass and including all inhabited islands.
HIE’s recruitment and selection activity is conducted in line with our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. As such, we were delighted to become an SCQF Inclusive Recruiter. We are committed to developing the young workforce as part of our workforce plan and have recently appointed a cohort of graduates and modern apprentices, including Francesca, who has shared her thoughts on her experience so far.
About Shannon
My name is Shannon Shepperson, and I am 22 years old. I joined Highlands and Islands Enterprise in October 2022, and I am based in the Orkney area office in Kirkwall.
My role is an Administration Officer – Modern Apprentice. This entails providing administrative support to the Orkney area team, assisting the team with records management, helping to organise events and meetings, as well as a few other things.
The apprenticeship journey
This is my third apprenticeship I have taken part in since leaving school. I have always preferred doing apprenticeships as I enjoy the variety and freedom it gives me to be able to gain a qualification, as well as gaiing relevant work experience in the sector. I feel it is important to do both at the same time as most people find it difficult getting a job after achieving their qualification due to the fact that most employers prefer someone to have relevant work experience on top of the qualification needed. A lot of people can miss out on job opportunities because of that.
Future plans
I am hoping to climb up the company ladder while also completing the higher stage of my current qualification, SVQ Business and Administration at SCQF level 6.
