Mr Kerr heard more about the charity’s-modern apprenticeship scheme from the VSA team and its apprentices, as well as its ongoing recruitment drive in the city.

Carol Nicholson, director of HR, learning & development for VSA, said: “We are very grateful to Mr Kerr for taking the time to find out more about our modern apprenticeship scheme and to hear about it first-hand from our trainees. We are a recognised SVQ centre in Aberdeen that delivers a successful Modern Apprenticeship Programme and provides a range of qualifications in health and social care.

“Alongside studying, our apprentices gain practical experience working with the vulnerable people we support. This approach helps our students put what they have learned into practice with our dedicated team of learning and development professionals.”

As well as their modern apprentice scheme, VSA also gives placements to Foundation Level Apprentices, HNC, and social work students supporting their education and career pathways into a career in health and social care.

Carol added: “We want to encourage young people and people looking for a career change into the hugely rewarding social care sector. VSA is a major recruiter in the city so the career path can start with us from an education perspective and lead all the way to full-time employment. Not all qualifications have to be gained via an academic setting, so this is the perfect alternative.

“We have many members of staff who have gone through the modern apprenticeship scheme and remain with us. There is a heightened respect post Covid for people working in our sector. They play a vital part in supporting the vulnerable people of Aberdeen and North East Scotland and we hope that both as an educator and employer that this recognition continues.”

Talking of his visit Liam Kerr, MSP for North East Scotland, said: “I was impressed by VSA’s operation in Aberdeen, as well as by the accessibility of the qualifications they offer. They are providing valuable skills in an expanding workplace. For those considering a change of career, it’s great that qualifications can be learned through professional development, at all levels and learned on the job, while earning.

“As Scotland’s population gets older, social care is becoming more and more critical to everyday life. This is a fulfilling and important career choice, and I think it’s true that Covid-19 underlined our growing regard and gratitude for carers.”