Help for Apprentices Continues to Grow

More than 250 apprentices have now been helped to continue with their training, as support for apprentices and those who recruit them continues to grow.

At the end of the 2009, an 18 year old apprentice bricklayer, who had been made redundant by his previous employers, became the 250th beneficiary of 'Adopt an Apprentice' when he was taken on by Jamieson Construction.

Under the scheme, which was launched in June 2009, employers are paid up to £2,000 to recruit a redundant apprentice.  The £1.7 million scheme is phase one of ScotAction, which seeks to help individuals and businesses through the recession. Skills Development Scotland plays a leading role in the delivery of ScotAction's initiatives.

It is a key aspect of delivering on the Scottish Government's guarantee to apprentices to find them employment to enable them to complete their Modern Apprenticeship.   Since the recruitment of the apprentice, Keith Brown, the Minister for Schools and Skills, has told the Scottish Parliament that the scheme has now supported 254 apprentices.

In a further development, the Scottish Government has announced that until 26 March 2010, Scottish businesses in all sectors will have the opportunity to receive £1,000 to take on a new apprentice.  It is the latest strand of the 'Invest in an Apprentice' scheme, which provides a financial incentive for companies to recruit an apprentice. The £4 million scheme will be available for up to 4000 employees.

The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Michael Russell said:

"Apprentices are vital for Scotland's recovery and it is important that we continue to invest in our young people - even through the hard times."

More information on ScotAction can be found on the SDS ScotAction website.