Upskilling the sector: new Modern Apprenticeship graduates
The latest cohort of modern apprenticeship graduates have completed their training with Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS), helping to contribute towards the development of skills across Scotland’s museums and galleries.
Over 12-18 months, each apprentice has completed a portfolio of practical on the job activities, which has developed their skills, knowledge and experience. MGS, as an approved Qualification Scotland and Skills Development Scotland Training Centre, has supported them through their apprenticeship.
Ensuring Scotland’s museums and galleries workforce has equal access to skills development opportunities and is empowered to operate ambitiously, is a key aim of Scotland’s Museums and Galleries Strategy. To support this, MGS offers three modern apprenticeships: Digital Marketing Modern Apprenticeship, Museum and Galleries Technician Modern Apprenticeship and Management Modern Apprenticeship.
Shaun Wilson, a graduate of the Museums Galleries Technician Modern Apprenticeship at ANGUSalive, commented on his experience:
“The MGS apprenticeship helped me greatly in boosting my confidence. Throughout the apprenticeship, I was able to work on several projects within my organisation. I worked on a reinterpretation project, researched, planned and led guided tours, and gained valuable experience working alongside the collections and exhibitions team. The experiences the apprenticeship has allowed me to pursue have given me lifelong skills to carry forward into the rest of my working life.”
Ellie Sandison, a graduate of the Museums Galleries Technician Modern Apprenticeship at Shetland Museums and Archives, also shared:
“The Museum Galleries Technician Modern apprenticeship allowed me to take a lead on different learning activities, as well as work with members of the team whom I have not had the chance to work with before. I really enjoyed my time as an apprentice, and I am very grateful for the opportunities it gave me. I’ve also had the opportunity to contribute to many exciting projects within the museum, such as leading an update to our discovery box service, and creating my own focus case display alongside the collections team, which is on display in our galleries”.
David Fettes, Social Media Manager at the National Trust for Scotland, commented:
“From my perspective, Anna [Melville] undertaking the Digital Marketing Modern Apprenticeship has been a huge positive for both her and the National Trust for Scotland. It’s given her the structure and confidence to build skills in real time – particularly around TikTok, wider social media, and short-form content – and then immediately apply that learning to live projects. We’ve seen her grow from a keen newcomer into a trusted member of the team who’s genuinely helping us reach new, younger audiences. The balance of formal learning and hands-on experience has worked really well, and we’re already seeing the benefits across our social media work.”
Megan Stamper, Workplace Assessor at MGS, said:
“Congratulations to all our Modern Apprenticeship graduates on completing their qualification. Their commitment, hard work and enthusiasm throughout their apprenticeships have been fantastic to see. These apprenticeships provide valuable opportunities for individuals to develop their skills, knowledge and experience while also making a meaningful contribution to their organisations and the wider sector. We’re delighted to have supported this latest cohort and look forward to seeing how they continue to develop their careers across the sector.”
Latest graduates include:
- Eva Madden – Museums Galleries Technician Modern Apprenticeship, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (graduated in April 2026)
- Fraser Silverton – Museums Galleries Technician Modern Apprenticeship, Scottish Crannog Centre (graduated in April 2026)
- Alice Veness – Museums Galleries Technician Modern Apprenticeship, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Museums Galleries Scotland (graduated in April 2026).
- Anna Melville – Digital Marketing Modern Apprenticeship, National Trust for Scotland (graduated in June 2026)
- Beatrice Dessent – Museums Galleries Technician Modern Apprenticeship, Museums & Galleries Edinburgh (graduated in June 2026)
- Jennifer Herrea – Museums Galleries Technician Modern Apprenticeship, Dick Institute, East Ayrshire (graduated in July 2026)
- Thomas Beasly – Museums Galleries Technician Modern Apprenticeship, Historic Environment Scotland (graduated in August 2026)
- Tanya Read – Digital Marketing Modern Apprenticeship, Aberdeen City Council & Beach Ballroom (graduated in August 2026)
If you are interested in hosting a modern apprenticeship in your museum or gallery, becoming an apprentice or supporting an apprentice as a mentor, find out more by visiting our website or contact Natalie Milor, Skills Development Manager at MGS.
