Fife employers urged to take on more apprentices

Fife employers are being urged to hire apprentices to boost their business and support the economy

DYW Fife, along with Skills Development Scotland (SDS), is urging more employers to hire apprentices to boost their business and support the local economy.

The call comes ahead of Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2017 from March 6 to 10.

Organised by SDS, the campaign highlights the benefits for businesses that have decided to invest in the skills of their employees.

Businesses in Scotland employed a record number of apprentices last year as more than 25,500 young people got the chance to work, learn and earn.

Last year there were 1,734 new Modern Apprenticeship starts in Fife.

A survey of apprentice employers showed three quarters said that apprentices improved productivity, while nine out of ten would recommend apprenticeships to their industry.

Adam Dunkerley, DYW manager, said: “Local employers hiring apprentices is vital to developing the young workforce and crucial for employers to make sure they have the right skills for the future. This impacts on Fife’s economic growth and the businesses succession planning.”

Bob Garmory, Purvis Group and DYW Fife chairman added: “We encourage all employers – no matter their size – to consider the benefits apprenticeships could bring to their business. Young people are key to the long-term strategy of any business and there’s no better time than Scottish Apprenticeship Week to find out more about work based learning.”

Gordon MacDougall, SDS head of operations for North East Scotland, said: “Many people still think apprenticeships only cover traditional trades and are mainly for boys but that’s simply not the case nowadays. Apprenticeships are changing with a range of opportunities for everyone to work, learn and earn. Employers can benefit from apprenticeships by making skills work for their business.”

Visit the apprenticeships site where employers can also post vacancies for free.

Skills Development Scotland pays a contribution towards the cost of training apprentices on behalf of the Scottish Government. New Foundation Apprenticeships mean young people can also now start a Modern Apprenticeship at school while Graduate Level Apprenticeships provide employees with work based learning opportunities to degree level. SDS can offer advice and support in person and via the website at the apprenticeships site.