Thumbs up to apprenticeships
NINE out of ten employers who hired apprentices would recommend it to their industry, a survey has revealed.
Ahead of Scottish Apprenticeship Week in March, Mid Argyll Chamber of Commerce has thrown its weight behind a push to encourage employers to take on apprentices.
The recent survey of businesses which had hired apprentices also showed that three-quarters said that apprentices improved productivity.
Businesses in Scotland employed a record number of apprentices last year as more than 25,500 young people got the chance to work, learn and earn.
Last year there were 333 new modern apprenticeship starts in Argyll and Bute.
Mid Argyll Chamber of Commerce secretary Jane MacLeod said: ‘Local employers hiring apprentices is vital to developing the young workforce and crucial for employers to make sure they have the right skills for the future. We encourage all employers, no matter their size, to consider the benefits apprenticeships could bring to their business.
‘There’s no better time than Scottish Apprenticeship Week to find out more about work-based learning.’
Organised by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Scottish Apprenticeship Week will run between March 6 and 10.
SDS head of operations for north Scotland Anthony Standing said: ‘If you are an employer looking to build a skilled, motivated workforce through apprenticeships, SDS can offer advice and support in person and via our www.apprenticeships.scot website.’
Skills Development Scotland pays a contribution towards the cost of training apprentices on behalf of the Scottish Government.
New foundation apprenticeships mean young people can also now start a modern apprenticeship at school while graduate level apprenticeships provide employees with work-based learning opportunities to degree level.
Find out more at www.apprenticeships.scot, where employers can also post vacancies for free.