A DETERMINED apprentice who was hired but then fired because of the pandemic has bounced back to complete her training.

Ellie Morgan, 18, landed an modern apprenticeship in business administration through Inverclyde Council's The Recruit programme, working with an engineering firm in Greenock.

But unfortunately she was made redundant after just five months due to lockdown.

Ellie, who'd left Notre Dame High School a year earlier than planned to take up the apprenticeship, said being laid off was a big blow.

She told the Tele: "I was quite gutted about it, I'd left school early to go through my qualifications with that employer.

"I took a job cleaning at Amazon.

"It was really hard but I got there in the end.

"What happened set me back a bit and it's taken me up until now to complete it. "

Thanks to Skills Development Scotland, her dad Joe managed to take her on with his firm, West Coast Electrical Services Ltd at Greenock's Victoria House, as part of the Adopt An Apprentice Scheme.

Ellie, of Garvel Drive, said: "It has been great - it's actually worked out better having been laid off because I've got more opportunities now.

"I've learned quite a lot from the apprenticeship and I would say to other young people to go for it.

"It's a good idea for people who want to learn that way, on the job instead of learning first then applying it.

"It gives you the chance to learn alongside getting work experience and you earn a bit of money as well."

Her proud dad says he is relieved with the way things have turned out in the end and wants to thank Carol Fitzpatrick from SDS Scotland for all her support.

Joe said: "I was disappointed at the way Ellie was treated.

"Thankfully Skills Development Scotland put me in touch with Carol, who helped me take Ellie on through the Adopt an Apprentice Scheme."

Sheona Fulton, SDS team leader in Inverclyde, said: “Ellie has shown great resilience during a difficult time and is an inspiration to others looking to secure a modern apprenticeship.”

As part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week the authorities are highlighting extra financial support available as part of the response to Covid-19.

An apprentice employer grant offers employers £5,000 for taking on a modern or graduate apprentice, while the Adopt an Apprentice scheme's payments to employers have increased to £5,000.

For more information visit www.apprenticeships.scot or call 01475 553710.