SLC named Youth Employer of the month

South Lanarkshire Council has been recognised for its commitment to supporting young people like Kerry Turner into work with a major award win.

The local authority has been named Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) Youth Employer of the Month for October.

South Lanarkshire has long been a supporter of apprenticeships, with individuals participating in Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships.

South Lanarkshire Council currently has over 100 modern apprentices in post, working towards nationallyrecognised work-based qualifications in a range of different occupations, including business and administration, social services and healthcare, highway maintenance, carpentry and joinery, plumbing and heating and bricklaying, painting and decorating.

Modern apprenticeships allow individuals to work, learn and earn, with individuals working towards industry-recognised qualifications while in full-time employment.

The council also has 14 graduate apprentices, who are working towards a degree whilst in full-time employment.

The employees study with Glasgow Caledonian University or the University of the West of Scotland on a day release basis.

A number of different frameworks are currently underway including software development, IT management for business, cyber security and civil engineering.

As well as this, South Lanarkshire provides placements for the Foundation Apprenticeship programme. Foundation apprenticeships are open to young people in the senior phase of secondary school, and combine college-style learning with a significant work placement.

The apprenticeship, which usually takes two years to complete, results in a qualification at the same level of learning as a Higher.

Frank Mitchell, chair of Skills Development Scotland, said:“I would like to offer my congratulations to South Lanarkshire Council on being named Youth Employer of the Month.

“As an employer, South Lanarkshire recognise that young people can make a really valuable contribution to the workplace.

“Their apprenticeship programmes not only give people a starting point in the world of work, but give them the chance to learn, develop and thrive.”