A Modern apprenticeship in life sciences is being introduced in Scotland and opportunities in the construction and engineering related sectors are to be expanded, the Scottish Government announced yesterday.
A Modern apprenticeship in life sciences is being introduced in Scotland and opportunities in the construction and engineering related sectors are to be expanded, the Scottish Government announced yesterday.
The move is part of a package of changes to national training programmes announced by Education and Lifelong Learning Secretary Fiona Hyslop and Willy Roe, the newly appointed chair of skills development Scotland (SDS).
It comes just 24 hours after Glasgow City Council promised that every school leaver in the city who qualifies for a modern apprenticeship will be offered one next year, to take advantage of the construction boom provided by the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Earlier, Labour leader Wendy Alexander set out plans for a bill creating a right to an apprenticeship for all youngsters between the ages of 16 and 18, claiming 30,000 modern apprenticeships would be created if the legislation is passed.
SDS is a new limited company created by merging Careers Scotland, learndirect Scotland and most of the skills and training functions of the Enterprise Networks.
The organisation, which will have over 1500 staff and a budget of around £170m per year over the next three years, will be based in Atlantic Quay, Glasgow.
Modern Apprenticeship programmes provide individuals with the opportunity to combine employment with training by following an industry designed framework which provides accredited qualifications.
As well as developing a new apprenticeship in Life Sciences, SDS will refocus support in adult modern apprenticeships to only construction and engineering related sectors - such as plumbing and bricklaying, electricians, shipbuilding, car maintenance and painting.
The Scottish Government said this will produce an increase in the number of adult modern apprentice ships in this sector by 50%, "assisting an additional 500 people in industries that face particular training pressures".
SDS will also increase the 16-19-year-old MAs in all construction and engineering related sectors, giving a total of "over 500 additional opportunities".
Mr Roe added: "Life sciences is a key sector for Scotland with a high growth potential and the capacity to boost productivity through enhanced support, including the introduction of modern apprentices.
"Traditional areas of construction and engineering continue to provide solid returns and with the Commonwealth Games expected to create an additional 1200 jobs we can see the clear need to continue skill development in this area.
"However outwith these sectors, the outcomes have been less favourable.
"We therefore need to take a little time, working closely with the key sectors involved, to identify the innovative ways by which we can secure effective workforce development."
