MINISTER for Business, Fair Work and Skills, Jamie Hepburn, marked the start of Scottish Apprenticeship Week by paying a visit to Glasgow’s Queen Street Station, which is undergoing a major revamp.
He met apprentices from main contractor Balfour Beatty, who employs over 100 apprentices.
Co-ordinated by Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Apprenticeship Week takes place from March 2 to 6.
The theme is “Talent Without Limits”, celebrating the diversity that makes Scottish apprenticeships good for individuals, employers and the economy.
Hepburn said: “Scottish Apprenticeship Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the benefits of work-based learning. Apprenticeships are crucial to developing our workforce and economy – they provide excellent opportunities to assist people of all ages and from all backgrounds into rewarding careers, and can benefit businesses of every size and from every sector.
“We are delivering more apprenticeships in Scotland than ever before and the routes into employment available to young people are the most diverse they have ever been, but I still want to urge more businesses and individuals to consider the benefits an apprenticeship opportunity can bring.”
Up to 5000 Foundation Apprenticeship opportunities for school pupils will be available this year, with Scotland also on track to meet the annual target of 30,000 Modern and Graduate Apprenticeship starts.
Bethany Welsh, originally from Forres in Moray, completed a Graduate Apprenticeship in civil engineering with Balfour Beatty.
She said: “Being an apprentice has changed my life. Getting the opportunity to work on a project from start to finish is amazing.”
Hector MacAulay, regional managing director of Balfour Beatty’s construction business in Scotland said: “We believe it is vitally important for us to create opportunities for young people through apprenticeships. We are deeply committed to providing skills and life-long learning through apprenticeships which are key to leaving a sustainable, lasting legacy throughout all of our projects.”
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