Industrialist’s views on skills should be heeded

A RECURRING theme in the protracted Brexit debate has been the effect the end of freedom of movement will have on the Scottish economy.

For while embattled Prime Minister Theresa May has hailed the step as an advantage of Brexit, there is deep concern in the Scottish business community over the inpact it will have on many industries. Scotland, in sectors such as hospitality, tourism, food, manufacturing and technology, is hugely dependent on migration from the European Union (EU) for much-needed skills, with the removal of that pipeline of talent likely to bring acute problems for hundreds of companies.

In that context, Scottish industrialist Jim Mccoll’s views on the importance of apprenticeships are especially pertinent.

Mr Mccoll, himself a former apprentice, insists apprenticeships are vital to Scottish industry to ensure companies have access to the skills they require – whether the UK ultimately exits the EU or not. But there can be little doubt the challenge faced by companies in finding enough people with the right abilities will be all the more difficult without free movement.

Regardless of the ultimate destination of Brexit, though, Mr Mccoll is right to suggest greater emphasis should be placed on the value of apprenticeships within the education system. Attending university is not for everyone and, what is more, a healthy, diverse economy surely needs a population with a broad set of skills.

As Mr Mccoll has shown, an apprenticeship can ultimately be the springboard for a long and successful career.