The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Why apprentices are great to hire
The massive benefits of learning on the job through apprenticeships and similar programmes will be the theme of a special event taking place next week.
Entitled Making Skills Work for Employers, it is taking place at Carnoustie Golf Hotel and Spa on Tuesday.
It is being hosted by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), a national skills body whose aim is to support businesses right across the country.
The Carnoustie event will offer firms of all sizes the chance to speak to experts about the benefits of taking on apprentices and to hear about the latest developments in the range of apprenticeships available.
Roddy Innes, employer engagement adviser at SDS, is urging businesses keen on recruitment and workforce development to attend.
He said: “There is a great deal of evidence showing work-based learning offers real and sustained benefits for businesses of all sizes.
“Apprenticeships are aligned to the needs of employers, there’s support with training and employers can attract motivated young people looking for a good start to their careers.
“Europe’s highest-performing economies have strong systems of workbased learning which contributes to low unemployment, fewer skills shortages and high economic growth.
“With the continued increase in modern apprenticeships now being complemented by foundation and graduate level ones, it’s the ideal time for employers to learn more about how this can benefit their business.”
SDS supports businesses in employing more than 25,000 new modern apprentices each year, offering on-thejob experience from day one and an accredited qualification.
Employers across Scotland are now involved in this programme, which sees senior school students completing elements of an apprenticeship while still in the classroom and earning an industry-recognised qualification.
New graduate level apprenticeships are also offering advanced work-based learning opportunities up to master’s degree level for employees.
Among those to benefit from the scheme is Arbroath mechanic Nicole Allardyce, who works for car maintenance firm McConechy’s.
She said: “I’ve always wanted to work in a garage. It all started off when I was at school and I got the taste for it.
“There’s no one thing I like best, I love it all the same.”
Her manager Neil Anderson said she has worked hard and is now a highly valued member of their team.
“Nicole is keen and gets on with everybody in the garage,” he said. “She always brings a real enthusiasm into work with her.”
The event is one of a series of Making Skills Work for Employers events being hosted by SDS over the autumn.
More information on the scheme is available on its dedicated web service www.apprenticeships.scot
The Carnoustie event takes place between 10am and noon.
Employers can reserve their free place at www.mswewblangus.eventbrite. co.uk