Adopt an Apprentice

ScotAction offers new and improved measures to help individuals and businesses through the recession and will provide skills assistance - including wage subsidies in some circumstances - for training for work, training in work and training from work to work. It is designed to help support Scotland's economy out of recession and back to economic growth.

The first offering from ScotAction is the 'Adopt an Apprentice' scheme. Launched in Edinburgh by Education and Lifelong Learning Secretary Fiona Hyslop, employers will be paid up to £2,000 to recruit a redundant apprentice.

The programme provides support for 575 redundant apprentices and covers all sectors and all of Scotland. This is a key aspect of delivering on the Scottish Government's guarantee to apprentices to find them alternative employment, enabling them to complete their Modern Apprenticeship.

Ms Hyslop said:

"Over the next few weeks I will be announcing further support through ScotAction to help employers recruit and retain apprentices. The success of the 'Adopt an Apprentice' scheme ultimately rests with employers and I would urge them to take advantage of this exciting new offer."

In addition to providing a range of financial support, and in direct response to employers' concerns that it is not easy to know what skills support is available to help them and their employees through the downturn, ScotAction will communicate what is on offer through Scottish Government programmes.

The Scottish Government has made clear that it will be guaranteeing continued training for apprentices who lose their job due to the current downturn.

Skills Development Scotland, Scotland's national skills agency, will play a leading role in taking forward the delivery of the initiatives that ScotAction will deliver for Scotland at this time.

For more information on the Adopt an Apprentice scheme telephone 0808 100 1855.