Apprenticeships generating skills for Scotland
Businesses and young people across the country are backing apprenticeships to support skills generation.
Events and activity the length and breadth of Scotland are taking place as part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week.
Graeme Dey MSP visit kicks off #ScotAppWeek24
Minister for Higher and Further Education, Graeme Dey met apprentices from international infrastructure group Balfour Beatty at Fife College’s Dunfermline Campus.
He was joined by constituency MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice.
Mr Dey said: “Apprenticeships are vital for supporting young people into valuable, rewarding careers and helping people upskill, reskill and progress in their chosen careers.
“They provide life-changing skills that society needs to build a wellbeing economy, supporting our transition to net zero.
“The Scottish Government’s priority is for high quality apprenticeships that provide sustainable jobs and careers characterised by Fair Work.”
Hector MacAulay MBE, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s regional business in Scotland, said: “At Balfour Beatty, we are committed to investing in the next generation of talent and providing young people with the skills and experience they need to flourish in their long-term, future careers.
“As we celebrate Scottish Apprenticeship Week, I would encourage others to consider our industry and join those who are already benefitting from the wide range of exciting opportunities we have to offer.”
Apprenticeships giving back to Scotland
Chair of Skills Development Scotland, Frank Mitchell said: “Apprenticeships are giving back to Scotland by supporting employers to deliver economic benefits as well as societal wellbeing benefits across the country.
“Across Scotland, around 40,000 people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds are accessing high-quality jobs and transforming their lives through Scottish Apprenticeships.
“Apprentices also contribute by paying taxes as well as their employers contributing £10 for every £1 spent by Government on training.
“It is very clear that apprenticeships play a vital role in meeting economic, environmental and health and wellbeing challenges and opportunities, helping Scotland to become a fairer, more equal society.”
Fife College supporting apprenticeships
Fife College Principal, Jim Metcalfe said: “Fife College is an accelerator for jobs and opportunity, and apprenticeships are at the heart of that ambition.
“Running one of the most substantial Modern Apprenticeship programmes in Scotland, our dedication to developing talent through apprenticeships plays a key role in shaping the skilled workforce needed within the Fife region.
“Combining working and learning, apprenticeships are a great way for individuals to gain the skills and experiences employers are looking for while also earning.
“For employers, they offer unique opportunities to develop enthusiastic young talent with the exact skills and experience their business requires.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Skills Development Scotland and dozens of local businesses to ensure Fife continues to benefit from the full range of apprenticeship opportunities.”
Scottish Apprenticeship Week takes place from 4 to 8 March. The national campaign celebrates the role apprenticeships play in generating skills for young people and employers.
The week will close with Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year awards.
More info
Find out more about apprenticeships at apprenticeships.scot