In for the skill

The continued commitment by the current Scottish Government to apprenticeships and the delivery of a skilled workforce is to be greatly welcomed. At its recent conference in Inverness the SNP recognised the skills shortages in the energy sector, with a commitment to deliver 2,000 modern apprenticeships specifically for this sector as well as a 1,000 additional flexible training places for energy and low-carbon industries.

It was also announced that, for every major contract or grant from government, there would be an apprenticeship or training plan attached, something the alliance called for in its manifesto in the run up to this year’s Scottish Parliamentary elections, and which we are delighted to see.

This will greatly assist the Scottish Government in the delivery of its target of 25,000 modern apprenticeships a year.

The delivery of a skilled workforce, especially in the current economic climate, is absolutely vital, ensuring that not only are the skills requirements of today being addressed, but also those forecast for the future.

Jacqui Hepburn

Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland

Castle Street

Edinburgh