6 March 2025
A Dunfermline-based apprentice has praised the benefits of work-based learning, saying her apprenticeship has given her independence, confidence, and the opportunity to play her part in the construction of one of the country’s biggest education projects.
Sophie Cormack is completing her Business and Administration Modern Apprenticeship with Fife College and Balfour Beatty while working on the College’s new Dunfermline Campus, Scotland’s first net-zero-ready tertiary education building.
Speaking during Scottish Apprenticeship Week (3-7 March), Sophie said:
“I was originally studying dental nursing but was given some additional administrative responsibilities. Over time, I realised I preferred that side of the role, so I decided to pursue an apprenticeship in Business Administration. It’s given me the flexibility to learn while working, and I like being able to apply what I’m learning directly to my job.”
As part of her role, Sophie works closely with the Office Manager at Balfour Beatty’s site office for the new Dunfermline Campus, overseeing document management, coordinating subcontractor schedules, and organising site visits. She also helps ensure that all contractors have the necessary training accreditations before working on-site.
Sophie, who moved to Dunfermline from Aberdeenshire in 2023, added:
“It’s great to be involved in such a big project, especially one that will have such a positive impact on the local community. Living in Dunfermline, I get to see the progress first-hand, which is really rewarding.”
Looking ahead, Sophie hopes to continue her career with Balfour Beatty, building on the skills gained during her apprenticeship.
Jim Metcalfe, Principal of Fife College, said:
"Sophie’s journey is a fantastic example of how apprenticeships create opportunities, providing invaluable hands-on experience in a real working environment.
"Through her role at Balfour Beatty, Sophie is not only developing essential business skills to advance her career but also playing a key role in the development of our new Dunfermline Campus – a project that will benefit students and the wider community for years to come.
"Fife College is an accelerator for jobs and opportunities, and we are proud to support apprentices like Sophie, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and experience needed to thrive in their chosen careers."
Hector MacAulay MBE, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s regional business in Scotland, said:
"At Balfour Beatty, we believe that apprenticeships are the future. They provide an unrivalled opportunity to gain practical skills and personal development whilst working on some of the most exciting construction and infrastructure projects.
"Sophie Cormack's journey exemplifies this perfectly, as she kickstarts her career with us on the Dunfermline Campus. By investing in apprenticeships, we're investing in the next generation of leaders and creating a skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow."
Scottish Apprenticeship Week highlights the vital role apprentices play in businesses across the country, combining hands-on experience with industry-recognised qualifications.
Apprenticeships allow young people to gain skills and experiences while earning. For employers, apprenticeships help develop enthusiastic young talent with the exact skills and experience required. There are more than 12,000 employers involved in Scottish Apprenticeships with nearly 40,000 apprentices in jobs and work-based learning across Scotland.
There are over 100 different types of Scottish Apprenticeships covering hundreds of different job types, including engineering, construction, financial and business services, health and social care, digital technology, tourism and food and drink.
More information about apprenticeship opportunities in Fife can be found here.
Fife College’s new Dunfermline Campus, which will welcome students later this year, is part of the new Dunfermline Learning Campus – a pioneering integrated project that will bring together Fife College, St Columba’s RC High School, and Woodmill High School in a purpose-built, collaborative new campus.
More information about Fife College’s new campus can be found here.
Photograph: Sophie Cormack (left) is pictured with Hollie Gowans, Office Manager at the site for Fife College's new Dunfermline Campus.