Apprenticeship scheme to be rolled out in city

A SUCCESSFUL scheme matching employers and apprentices is set to be extended to Dundee. The Shared Apprentice Programme is a non-profit pilot project aimed at small and medium sized companies who cannot commit to taking an apprentice for the full four years.

Running effectively in Angus since 2015 in partnership with Angus Council, D&A College and construction businesses supported by CITB, and endorsed by Skills Development Scotland and Scottish Government, the Shared Apprentice company employs the apprentices and places them with host employers.

Councillor Lynne Short, convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee, said: “I’m really pleased that this scheme is being extended to Dundee employers and young people.

“It means that smaller firms who maybe couldn’t afford to pay things like National Insurance, holiday pay, college fees or pension costs for an apprentice are freed from having to worry about all that and can just get on with the business of providing relevant, effective and efficient training.”

Kevin Murphy, chairman of the Shared Apprentice Programme, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring a highly successful apprenticeship model into Dundee and we look forward to working with construction companies to train the next generation of apprentices.”

The scheme will employ apprentices and place them for a minimum of three months in a range of areas in demand with local business.

Apprentices’ wages follow Scottish Building Apprenticeship and Training Council (SBATC) rates.

Anyone who wants to attend can contact Kirsty Anderson at kirsty.anderson@ dundeeandangus.ac.uk

Councillor Lynne Short.