Scotland's Modern Apprentices Value Their Training

Wednesday 22nd February 2012

Over 90 per cent of Modern Apprentices in Scotland value the quality of their training according to a new national survey.

The survey also reveals the MA programme is highly regarded by almost all of its participants. Ninety-eight per cent describe their experiences positively while four out of five praise the support they get.

Employers provide apprenticeship opportunities that combine employment with training in over 80 different occupational fields, and the Scottish Government is committed to funding 25,000 new apprenticeships every year during its term of office.

According to Peter Hughes, Chief Executive of Scottish Engineering, Modern Apprenticeships are equally valuable for employers. “I see evidence of these results every day - apprentices invariably bring a positive attitude to the workplace. By training people ‘on-the-job’, employers are building a skilled, loyal workforce which bodes well for the future of our sector.”

Responding to the survey, Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance said: “Given our ongoing commitment to Modern Apprenticeships, I’m heartened to see that so many rate both their treatment and their support.

“This is testament to both the willing employers that take them on and to Skills Development Scotland for their hard work in creating opportunities for young people. I look forward to seeing thousands of them use the skills they have gained as apprentices throughout long and successful careers.”

The programme is demand-led so apprentices must have a job to be part of the programme, but businesses can currently get up to £2000 if they recruit a 16-19 year old into an apprenticeship.

Steve Murphy, Vice President in the UK at technology company HP, said: “This survey supports the fantastic value that Modern Apprenticeships offer people in Scotland. HP is a strong supporter of the programme. This survey shows that by taking on an apprentice, employers are offering great opportunities for people to progress up the career ladder and to get skills and qualifications recognised across the industry.”

In Scotland, apprentices are required to achieve workplace competency and accredited qualifications set out in an occupational framework designed by Sector Skills Councils in consultation with industry.

The report, carried out by Skills Development Scotland’s Labour Market Information team, resonates with the view of aeronautical engineer Jamie Gray (22), who was recently named Scotland’s top apprentice. Employed by Ayrshire-based Spirit AeroSystems, Jamie said: “A few years ago I was just a quiet boy from a quiet village but I was pushed to go for my dream. I got my apprenticeship and my dreams have been realised.”

Jamie was also named his own company’s Apprentice of the Year after creating an engineering procedure for cutting and polishing carbon fibre test panels which has now become the standard procedure for the business.

Any employer interested in the Modern Apprenticeship programme should call SDS’s employer helpline on 0800 783 6000.

Winner of Scottish Apprentice of the Year, Jamie Gray, aeronautical engineer with Spirit Aerosystems.

Back to main news page