By Lucy Ashton
MSP Jackie Baillie has given her support to Scottish Apprenticeship Week. The Dumbarton constituency MSP met with apprentices at West Dunbartonshire Council to mark the event.
Co-ordinated by Skills Development Scotland, Scotland’s skills agency, the event is designed to highlight the benefits work-based learning brings to people of all ages and backgrounds, as well as to employers of all sizes – and the country.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2024, which ran until March 8th, focused, this year, on recognition of apprenticeships as a way of creating the new generation of Scotland’s skilled workforce.
West Dunbartonshire Council employs almost 60 apprentices annually – the majority in the authority’s Building Services team.
In recognition of their growing skills, West Dunbartonshire Council pays the majority of is apprentices the national minimum wage, rising to the Scottish Local Government Living Wage later.
Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships all help generate high quality opportunities for people to achieve their full potential.
Over 40,000 apprentices are supporting around 12,000 businesses across the country, gaining skills employers need now and will need in future.
Scottish Apprenticeships also generate growth for Scotland’s economy, with every £1 public investment in apprenticeships returning up to £4-5 to the Scottish exchequer.
Jackie said: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for people to learn new skills whilst in employment.
“They offer excellent opportunities for those looking to change course or to learn new skills and are a valuable way of creating skilled workers for the nation’s services.”
For further information, go online at: https://www.apprenticeships.scot/events/scottish-apprenticeship-week/see-whats-on/