Week celebrates benefits of Modern Apprenticeships
EMPLOYERS are being urged to offer apprenticeships as part of a national campaign in Scotland.
The message to employers of all sizes in Scotland is that they can, and are, benefiting from Modern Apprenticeships.
Modern Apprenticeships boost business, young people themselves and the country’s economy.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week, organised by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), is currently in full swing, with about 160 events taking place.
It is a campaign highlighting the commitment of businesses that have taken the decision to invest in the skills of their workforce.
It also showcases the successes of apprentices who have chosen to work, learn and earn to develop their careers. It is designed to persuade more businesses to become involved.
Each year, SDS contribute £74.5million towards the cost of training Modern Apprentices.
Chief executive Damien Yeates said: “Modern Apprenticeships work for employers of all sizes, from family firms to global companies.
“Scottish Apprenticeship Week celebrates Modern Apprentice employers and the achievements of apprentices, who play a vital and valuable role in Scotland’s economy.
“Modern Apprenticeships bring benefits to business, young people and Scotland’s economy.
“The skills developed through work-based learning are valued by employers and also by young people looking to get the best possible start in their careers.
“The support for Scottish Apprenticeship Week from industry and employers shows the importance they place in developing their workforce and promoting apprenticeships.”
Today, more than 80 different types of Modern Apprenticeships are available in Scotland, including engineering, financial services, life and chemical sciences, construction, agricultural, hospitality and tourism, health and social care, sport, and retail and customer service.
A total of 25,000 new Modern Apprenticeship places are available each year and there are about 35,000 Modern Apprentices currently in training.
Last year, 41 per cent of new entrants were female and 59 per cent male.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week is the ideal time for employers to think about taking on an apprentice.
And it is a lot easier than they might think to become involved.
Expert SDS staff are on hand to advise them on the different types of apprenticeships, the funding available and how to look at the skills their business and their employees will need in the future.
Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training, Roseanna Cunningham, said she hoped Scottish Apprenticeship Week would see many firms recognising the benefits that Modern Apprentices can bring both to their business and the wider economy. ● Go to www.scottish apprenticeshipweek.com for further information on the week’s events.