The Very Rev Dr Martin Fair outlines a new possibility for learning within the Church of Scotland.

WHEN pupils leave school, whether after S4, S5 or S6, the school will attempt to track the numbers of ‘positive outcomes’.

So, for example, we find this from the Scottish Government: 95.9 per cent of 2022-23 school leavers were in a positive destination three months after the end of the school year.

Among those who find one of those positive destinations are those who go to university or into paid employment. But beyond that, there are significant numbers who go on to do apprenticeships – whether these be foundational, modern or graduate-level.

Apprenticeships.com (hosted by Skills Scotland) says this: ‘An apprenticeship is when someone works towards a qualification on the job. Apprentices work with experienced colleagues on real projects while putting into practice what they learn.’

Much of this is well-known and there will be plenty of Life and Work readers who did an apprenticeship or know someone who did. For many, it will have proved to have been the ideal way into work with ‘learning on the job’ suiting perfectly in terms of their learning style.

And of course, there’s nothing new about apprenticeships. It’s perfectly possible to trace the model back to the medieval craft guilds of the middle ages and, long before that, we can clearly see that apprenticing was what Jesus was doing with his first followers.

He brought them alongside. He showed them.

He taught them.

He equipped them.

He sent them out to try for themselves. A three-year apprenticeship then: Go and make disciples of all nations.

Here’s the exciting news: The Church of Scotland is on the cusp of launching its very own apprenticeship-style route, a brandnew ‘on-the-job’, immersive way for people to taste and see what 21st century ministry is all about.

• Who is it for? Anyone, but with an emphasis on those aged between 1840, few of whom come into ministries through our traditional routes

• What will we be looking for? Primarily a willingness to learn and evidence of leadership potential – all underpinned by these ‘C’s – Christian commitment, Character, Chemistry, Competence.

• What will our apprentices do?

– In the first year, there will be opportunity to try out a wide range of ministry tasks and if staying on for a second year, more focussed experiences depending on a growing sense of call and purpose

– Facilitated reflective practice; a process to try out, to reflect and to learn from each experience

– A variety of short courses offering an introduction to theological and biblical studies

• What will apprentices be offered?

– Membership of a small learning community supported by a team of trained, experienced mentors – An in-depth opportunity to discern, asking ‘what is God calling me to?’

– An equally in-depth opportunity to focus on formation in terms of both character and spiritual maturity

– A range of outcomes but where applicable, a pathway to assessment and ongoing training and formation for the various ministries of the Church

– Bursary funding covering the academic work and general costs of living

When put alongside the work that’s presently being done to reshape our existing training for ministry, it’s evident that the Church is taking seriously the challenges that it faces, not least in raising up a new generation of, well-equipped women and men to offer key leadership for this coming season, ensuring that the Church rises to the challenge of leading mission within Scotland and beyond. ¤

Interested? Know of someone for whom this would be a great opportunity? Get in touch at ministry@churchofscotland.org.uk