Free events for Inverness employers on how and why apprenticeships work as part of next month's Scottish Apprenticeship Week
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Employers in Inverness can find out how apprenticeships can work for their business with a series of free online events as part of a national campaign.
The one-hour events will take place during Scottish Apprenticeship Week, from March 7 to March 11, to support businesses to take on apprentices.
They will provide information on funding and other support, the different kinds of apprenticeships and give practical step-by-step advice on how to take on an apprentice.
The online sessions are for businesses of all sizes and will feature employers, apprentices and learning providers to give a first-hand account of the benefits of apprenticeships.
To kick off the week at 10am on Monday, March 7, the Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board will be hosting an event in partnership with Scottish Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Scottish Training Federation and Skills Development Scotland (SDS).
The session will help to explain how apprenticeships can provide a solution to business challenges such as an ageing workforce or upskilling existing employees to help sustainability and support growth. SDS will provide expert advice on how to get the help and support available.
Colin Borland, the director of devolved nations with FSB Scotland, said: “For employers struggling to find the right talent for their business, hiring apprentices can be a cost-effective way to address acute labour and skills shortages.”
Liz Cameron, the chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “Demand for skills is high across all sectors of Scotland’s economy. Developed by industry, apprenticeships unlock the right talent for employers to recruit and build a workforce for the future.”
National skills agency SDS is running a further five sessions covering topics including foundation, modern and graduate apprenticeships, how to diversify through work-based learning and labour market intelligence.
All are aimed to provide in-depth practical advice and information to help employers get started and understand how each can help their business.
Scottish apprenticeships are funded by the Scottish Government and provide employers with access to support in order to recruit and upskill staff, including funding towards learning costs.
More than 12,000 employers recruit apprentices and every year thousands of people take apprenticeships to work, learn and earn.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week, co-ordinated by Skills Development Scotland, highlights apprenticeships work for employers, individuals and the economy.
Scottish apprenticeships have been recognised by the Scottish Government as vital to support the economy. Apprenticeships play a role in strategies for economic recovery and fair work, such as the Young Person’s Guarantee, which aims to provide opportunities into jobs, placements, training or education for all 16 to 24-year-olds.
• To view the full programme and attend the free online events employers can register on the webinars area of the Our Skillsforce website and to find out more visit Scottish Apprenticeships.
