Highland apprentice numbers grow
Eight new forestry apprentices have been welcomed to the Scottish School of Forestry at Inverness College UHI to mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week.
The students successfully applied for the school’s first modern apprenticeship in trees and timber.
The two-year programme supported by Forest Enterprise Scotland will allow them to study and work at the same time.
Scotland’s rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing visited the school to meet the recruits.
“Forestry in Scotland has never been in a stronger position than it is now and young people who are learning forestry skills are in high demand across the sector,” he said. “It is very heartening to see that young women and men have recognised forestry is a hugely rewarding career path.
“The choices that these young people have made are not only great for them, but are also great for the sector and for the local area, which is keen to attract, train and retain young people.
“They have also entered forestry at a hugely exciting time, when forestry itself is about to embark on a new chapter with the creation in a few weeks of two new agencies – Scottish Forestry and Forestry and Land Scotland.
“These new agencies will be instrumental in helping Scottish forestry to deliver more benefits to people, the environment, communities and businesses over the next 50 years and beyond.”
The new apprentices will receive on-the-job experience and training with Forestry and Land Scotland from May and will also develop their skills through a recognised SVQ2/3 qualification from the school.
Meanwhile, regional MSP David Stewart marked apprenticeship week by visiting Caley Thistle.
He was introduced to a group of young footballers who are currently engaged with the apprenticeship scheme at the football club.
Mr Stewart is, along with his father, brothers and son, a long-time ICT supporter and he arrived with the club still basking in the glory of having qualified for a Scottish Cup semi final place after beating Dundee United 2-1 at the weekend.
Mr Stewart praised the youth set-up at the club which is looking to develop local footballing talent.
“It is so good for the future of the club too that we have such talented youngsters coming through – just look at the success of Ryan Christie [now at Celtic],” he said.
“Thanks to Barry Wilson, ICT head of professional development, for showing me around and to one of the organisers of the visit, Helena Bryce, skills investment adviser for Skills Development Scotland in Inverness – the body which supports and promotes the apprenticeship scheme.
“This year’s theme is skills for the future and I wish all apprentices all the very best for the future. I’ll be watching their progress from the stand.”
