Kirkcaldy MSP visits Kinghorn facility to mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week

From left: Robert Patison, Kinghorn Ecology Centre, Stewart Christie, Ruralskills Scotland, Richard McLaughlin apprentice , David Torrance, MSP, Gary Roberts CEO Ecology Centre, Joyce Fleming, Skills Development Scotland. Pic: Fife Photo Agency

David met with Our Bright Future apprentice Richard McLaughlin at The Ecology Centre on Friday to celebrate the initiative.

Richard is working towards gaining his Modern Apprenticeship in Rural Skills (Estate Maintenance) and he showed David around the site providing information about the different projects he has been involved with since starting his apprenticeship at the centre.

Richard has been involved in building the facility’s new seedling greenhouse and putting up the new polytunnel in the community garden.

Richard said: “I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship, getting involved in a variety of projects and meeting lots of different people.”

David said: “I was delighted to meet Richard, and learn about the valuable skills he is gaining and the contribution he is making to the centre.

“I was extremely impressed by his confidence and ability as he showed me around the various projects he has been part of since joining the team. Apprenticeships allow people to achieve good qualifications and earn money whilst learning on the job skills and gain on the job experience.

Richard’s experience is a fine example of the benefits that a modern apprenticeship can bring to both the individual and to organisations.”

Grant McDougall, Skills Development Scotland area head of operations south east, said: “This year, Scottish Apprenticeship Week celebrates the diversity which makes work-based learning good for individuals, employers and the economy.

“Scottish Apprenticeships are for everyone, no matter their background and for every business, no matter its size or sector.

“It’s fantastic to see businesses in the area backing apprenticeships and see the achievements of individuals benefiting from work-based learning.”

Stewart Christie, director from Rural Skills Scotland said: “We are delighted to be working with The Ecology Centre and Our Bright Future to deliver Richard’s apprenticeship. Getting more young people into land based occupations is a priority in Scotland and we would like to think we are playing our part in being able bring about these opportunities.”