The only job Angus Robertson had before becoming a modern apprentice was when he was hired to pitch tents inside a warehouse for a camping equipment trade show.

Now the Bridge of Weir teenager is in pole position to embark on a more satisfying career after being taken on by intu Braehead.

Speaking during Scottish Apprenticeship Week, 19-year-old Angus described working at the Renfrew-based shopping and leisure destination as “life-changing” – and he is urging other young people to apply for modern apprenticeships.

Angus started his two-year apprenticeship at intu Braehead in December 2016 and, for the first year, was given training and work experience in the many roles on offer at a large shopping centre.

He has worked in customer service, business support, marketing, health and safety, retail liaison, human resources and security.

Now in his second year, Angus – a former pupil at Gryffe High, in Houston, and student at West College Scotland – has chosen to specialise in Health and Safety.

He is guaranteed a full-time job with intu Braehead after his apprenticeship is completed.

Angus said: “If it wasn’t for this modern apprenticeship, I wouldn’t have had the same opportunity to develop myself both professionally and personally.

“I’ve come on leaps and bounds since I’ve been here. It’s given me a platform to achieve.

“Having this job also lets me contribute financially at home, where I stay with my mum and dad, and I’ve been able to do things like pay for my own driving lessons.

“I would encourage young people to apply for modern apprenticeships because it gives you a launch pad for the rest of your working life.”

Angus admits that finding meaningful work had been a problem after leaving school.

He said: “When I was at college, I decided I wanted to get into the world of work and start earning money that would allow me to get some independence.

“I’d applied for jobs for a few months, got interviews, but didn’t get offered anything. The only job I did get was for two weeks and it was to pitch tents inside a warehouse and steam out the creases in the material they were made of for a trade show.

“Thanks to intu Braehead, I’ll get a qualification, I won’t have any debt from having a student loan, I’m earning money and I’m getting on-the-job experience.

“I call it the University of Work.”

One of the high points of Angus’s first year was making a presentation to the intu board of directors about the company’s modern apprenticeship scheme.

He added: “I will look back on my time at intu Braehead as a life-changing experience.”

Peter Beagley, regional centre director at intu Braehead, said: “There are more than 8,000 jobs supported by intu Braehead, paying £128million in wages to those directly employed here.

“It’s really satisfying to see someone like Angus being given the opportunity to forge a career for himself and develop and mature as a young person.”