Scottish Apprentice Week celebrates the diversity that that makes work-based learning good for individuals, employers and the economy. Developed as an initiative by Skills Development Scotland, this year's week is underpinned by the theme of ‘Business Backing Talent’. Scottish Apprenticeships are for everyone no matter their background and for every business, no matter its size or sector. The Scottish Government acknowledges that an enthusiastic and trained workforce underpins Scotland's ambition for economic success.
Pauline Robertson, Skills Programme Manager at West College Scotland, talks about Modern Apprenticeships and how a workforce with sector specific skills can benefit employers and the economy.
Pauline explains, “Each year more than 37,000 people start Modern Apprenticeships in order to earn while they learn, gain on-the-job training and to achieve nationally recognised qualifications. In order to realise the benefits that Modern Apprenticeships can deliver, more needs to be done to raise awareness of the programme and the opportunities that exist for young people and employers.’
West College Scotland is a significant Foundation, Modern and Pre Apprenticeship provider, working with a wide range of employers in various sectors.
Sharron Rodgers, Foundation Apprenticeship Manager explains that businesses benefit from supporting the Foundation Apprenticeship programme, “Across all industries employers are seeing real value in supporting a Foundation Apprentice within their team. So many of our partners are looking at progressions to Modern and Graduate Apprenticeship opportunities to further support the learners’ developments.”
This week (1-5 March), West College Scotland will be promoting Scottish Apprenticeship Week by posting and sharing content on our social channels including articles, case studies and video content highlighting the journey of some of the apprentices at West College Scotland. Each day we'll highlight the benefits offered from each level of the apprenticeship programmes.
Keep your eyes peeled!