Western Isles prepares for apprenticeship week

COMHAIRLE nan Eilean Siar is backing Scottish Apprenticeship Week, the annual campaign to show apprenticeships work for businesses, individuals and the economy.

The week runs from Monday March 5 to Friday March 9 and the council is hosting a series of events to promote apprenticeship week, which is co-ordinated by Skills Development Scotland.

This year’s campaign theme is Apprenticeships are the Business, recognising the value work-based learning brings to employers across the country. This is an opportunity to raise awareness of the successes of apprentices who have chosen to get a job, get paid and get qualified to develop their careers.

Comhairle leader Roddie Mackay said: ‘Research indicates there is demand from young people for opportunities to study and work on the islands.

‘As a comhairle, we are very supportive of providing opportunities for young people to pursue positive destinations within the islands and in doing so, slowing population decline and strengthening the islands’ economy.

‘We invite local employers, school pupils, parents/carers, colleges and training providers as well as members of the public to participate in Scottish Apprenticeship Week events.'

Employers are encouraged to advertise any current or future apprenticeship vacancies during Scottish Apprenticeship Week.

Drop-in sessions for the exchange of ideas and information are as follows.

Stornoway Town Hall, 20 South Beach Street, Tuesday March 6, 10am-7pm; Wednesday March 7, 10am-7pm; Thursday March 8, 10am-1pm.

Sir E Scott School, Tarbert, Friday March 9, 12.25pm1.15pm.

Cothrom Ltd, in partnership with SDS Careers, will be holding drop-in sessions in South Uist and Barra as follows:

Cothrom Learning Centre, Ormiclate, South Uist, Wednesday March 7, 10am4pm; Castlebay Community School, Barra, Thursday March 8, 10am-2pm.

Go to www.cothrom.net more information. for