NESCol student Hannah Magill named Foundation Apprentice of the Year

March 9, 2026

Hannah Magill secured the title of Foundation Apprentice of the Year at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, held in Glasgow on 26 February.

The Awards celebrate the incredible achievements of apprentices, employers and learning providers, showcasing the vital contributions of apprenticeships to Scotland’s economy.

Nineteen-year-old Hannah from Portlethen completed her Social Services: Children and Young People Foundation Apprenticeship last year through NESCol.

She was recognised for the incredible impact she made while on placement at Fishermoss Primary School, where she demonstrated a true passion for supporting children’s learning and development.

Hannah worked with a group of Primary 1 and 2 pupils with Additional Support Needs (ASN), using her love of music to connect with them. A breakthrough moment from her placement was when a non-verbal pupil, who she had formed a strong bond with, said her name and several other words.

Hannah said: “Watching some of the children light up with these different musical activities has inspired me to always look for the hidden talents in everyone because you never know what doors may be opened from that small element of encouragement.”

Hannah undertook the Foundation Apprenticeship as part of her timetable while she was in sixth year at St Margaret’s School for Girls. She attended College twice a week for the theory aspect of the course, while gaining practical experience on placement two afternoons a week at Fishermoss.

No stranger to success, Hannah won NESCol’s Foundation Apprenticeship Childcare Student of the Year 2025, as well as completing Advanced Highers in Spanish and Music. Since leaving school, she has secured a place on a Primary Teaching course at the University of Dundee.

Curriculum Manager, Catherine Macintyre, NESCol, said: “We are thrilled to see Hannah recognised on a national stage as Foundation Apprentice of the Year.

“During her time with us, she showed exceptional dedication, and her passion for working with children shone through with her proactive approach to her apprenticeship. She truly made a difference to the pupils she supported, and this award is a wonderful reflection of her hard work.

“Hannah was an exceptional Foundation Apprentice, and she will no doubt be an exceptional teacher in the future.”

Heather Zacha, Project Officer – Foundation Apprenticeships, NESCol, said:

“Hannah is an excellent example of how a Foundation Apprenticeship can positively impact a young person and their career trajectory, while also benefiting the employer providing their placement.

“We are incredibly proud of Hannah and her commitment to her apprenticeship, and grateful to Fishermoss Primary School for giving her a fantastic placement experience.”

Learn more about Foundation Apprenticeships

Foundation Apprenticeships give pupils the opportunity to gain work experience and learn in a tertiary education environment before they leave school.

Learners gain work-based qualifications from SCQF Level 4 to the same level as a Higher.

Find out more about Foundation Apprenticeships