Scotland's Economy

Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2019: Skills for the Future

March 3, 2019 by Jamie Hepburn MSP No Comments | Category Business, Economy, Finance

From Monday 4^th to Friday 8^th, employers, apprentices, and training providers across Scotland will come together for Scottish Apprenticeship Week to celebrate and showcase the contribution that work-based learning offers to individuals, employers and the economy.

Now in its ninth year, Scottish Apprenticeship Week is an annual campaign co-ordinated by Skills Development Scotland which includes over 100 events across Scotland. This year’s theme is ‘Skills for the Future’ which recognises the importance of investing in our workforce and highlights how apprenticeships are providing the skills needed for a successful Scotland.

Scottish Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity to celebrate the success of Scotland’s Apprenticeship system. The Scottish Government is committed to providing a stable Apprenticeship system based on what works for the economy, employers and apprentices. Growing, widening and enhancing apprenticeships is also at the heart of Scotland’s Youth Employment Strategy, Developing the Young Workforce.

Over the course of this administration, the Scottish Government has funded training for over a quarter of a million Modern Apprentices. Alongside our highly successful Modern Apprenticeships, the apprenticeship family also includes Foundation Apprenticeships and Graduate Apprenticeships.

Foundation Apprenticeships unlock the talent of pupils and help develop skills and knowledge that will help Scotland to improve the employability of its young workforce. It provides work-based learning options during the senior phase of secondary school all over Scotland that offer pupils an opportunity to learn while they work.

Graduate Apprenticeships support our continuing commitment to prioritise higher level skills considered to bring the greatest economic benefits, linked to higher paid jobs and increased productivity. By creating the opportunity to combine an academic degree with the challenges of the workplace, we are better preparing individuals for the job market and ensuring we match the right skills and training to available employment.

Scottish Apprenticeship Week is also an opportunity to recognise the contribution of employers and training providers to the Apprenticeship system. During Scottish Apprenticeship Week, Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers from across government  welcome the opportunity to meet employers and apprentices across a range of sectors to hear about their experiences and recognise their achievements so far.

Apprenticeship opportunities in Scotland are growing and we want as many young people and employers as possible to benefit. If you currently employ apprentices, this is the time to publicise the role you play in supporting apprenticeships and work-based learning. If you don’t currently employ Apprentices, Scottish Apprenticeship Week is a great opportunity to discover how work-based learning can improve your business performance and productivity. All employers in Scotland can access Apprenticeships regardless of size or sector to develop their workforce and contribute to business and economic growth. Further information for employers interested in recruiting an apprentice is available at: www.apprenticeships.scot

Of course, a key focus of Scottish Apprenticeship Week is highlighting and celebrating the achievements of apprentices across Scotland. This year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Week will build on the success of Scotland’s first Apprentice Convention which was held on 8 November 2018 in Edinburgh. The convention – by apprentices, for apprentices –created a sense of pride and community among apprentices whilst supporting their ongoing development as professionals. The event was attended by around 500 Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprentices from across the country and is an excellent example of the diligence and passion that apprentices have to offer.

As ever, I’m looking forward to participating in Scottish Apprenticeship Week and encourage you to join me in celebrating everyone who contributes to the success of Scotland’s apprenticeship system and the great value of work-based learning to individuals, employers and our economy.

Tags: scottishapprentices, scottishapprenticeshipweek

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