LIZ CAMERON

“With Scotland's businesses reporting persistent challenges in recruiting the right talent and skills, it's more important than ever that we invest in the future of Scotland's workforce.

The recent economic data from the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network's quarterly economic indicator survey pointed to an environment where business confidence is dipping, recruitment difficulties are expected to persist and future investment expectations are slowing down. In this uncertain environment, we must continue to nurture and offer opportunities to Scotland's future talent pool.

For young people, exposure to the world of work at an earlier stage enables the development of business skills, experience and capability, increasing their readiness for the world of work. This approach has proven to work successfully in other European countries including Germany and Switzerland, where apprenticeships and work-based learning is integrated into the school system. Interestingly, these countries also boast the lowest recorded youth unemployment rates in Europe.

Over the last ten years, Scotland has risen to the challenge of increasing the number of apprenticeships jobs for young people. In 2008, 10,000 apprenticeships were on offer. Fast forward ten years, that number stands at a confident 28,000, with the number set to rise in the coming years. With Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships, there's never been a better time for businesses to adopt the apprenticeships model into their employment mix. Across Scotland, thousands of businesses are involved in apprenticeships, supported by Skills Development Scotland. Many Chambers including Scottish Chambers and Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce, have hired apprentices, demonstrating our own commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent. The Scottish Chamber Network will be extending its support further and actively supporting Scottish Apprenticeship Week, from 4th - 8th March. The week offers an unparalleled opportunity to understand the benefits of hiring apprentices and showcases the achievements of individual apprentices who are adding real value to businesses across the country.

From my own experience of collaborating with apprentices, the value they bring to any business is abundantly clear. From increasing productivity to supporting succession planning, to accessing specialist skills and engaging in new technologies, apprenticeships are an important lever for businesses to access talent at a time of skills shortages, as well as building a highly skilled, productive and motivated workforce in Scotland. Ultimately, the most valuable resource for any business is its human resource and we must continue investing in this critical asset.”

Liz Cameron is chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce.