SEVEN modern apprentices have been recruited at Active Stirling.

They will be working and learning to be multi-sport coaches and business administrators with hopes to gain an SVQ Level 3 in Leisure Management and an SCQF Level 5 in Business Administration respectively.

One of the main remits of the coaches will be to inspire and motivate youngsters while those in administration will have the chance to develop their core skills with a wide range of tasks.

The recruitment drive represents an increase in the number of modern apprentices at Active Stirling, due to close partnership working with local rugby clubs Bannockburn and Stirling County.

Through the partnership, two posts have been established to help with the development of grassroots rugby.

Stewart Milne, from Stirling County RFC, said: “We’re excited to work with Active Stirling to continue to develop grassroots rugby across Stirling and to support young people moving into the working environment.

“We see an excellent opportunity for our young rugby coaches to broaden their personal development by working with Active Stirling.

“And rugby in the area can only benefit from such a positive relationship.”

Support also came from Stirling Council’s Learning and Employability Programme to employ six of the apprentices.

Mark Findlay, Active Stirling’s employability and volunteering manager, said: “With 2018 being the Year of Young People the increase in the number of apprentices we have is fantastic.

“We have developed a great modern apprentice programme with many of the former apprentices still working in the company.

“It really does give young people a great foundation for their future career.

“The apprentices bring a real enthusiasm and energy into our organisation, they’re highly motivated and want to learn.

“They’re fantastic role models within the community and we hope they have a great year with us here at Active Stirling!”