Calls for more apprenticeships

A Conservative Angus MP has called for a “radical” transformation of Scotland’s education system to encourage more people to pursue apprenticeships.

Speaking at a conference fringe event in Manchester chaired by Scottish Secretary David Mundell, Kirstene Hair MP urged the Scottish Government to encourage more pupils who aren’t suited to university to look at apprenticeships.

She said: “I am determined that we radically transform our offering to young people – and a key part of that is ensuring that we offer all our young people the chance to get on in life.

“We cannot understate the importance of apprenticeships, providing the key skills to the next generation that will ensure we have a balanced economy and offering school leavers here in Angus the prospect of supporting themselves and their families.

“Businesses across Angus are crying out for skilled young people – whether that’s agriculture, engineering or manufacturing – and it is high time that the SNP in Edinburgh delivered for young people who want to build their careers outside of university.”

Last month, the Scottish Government launched the Flexible Workforce Development Fund, a £10 million one-year pilot project enabling private, public and voluntary sector employers to apply for grants of up to £10,000 to deliver training to employees.