This week is Apprenticeship Week and Skills Development Scotland has been spearheading an excellent campaign to promote apprenticeship programmes in a range of sectors across Scotland.

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSPs have been out and about visiting apprentices in their constituencies to hear a bit more about the programmes, career pathways and skills gaps in the Scottish economy.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said:

“Apprenticeship Week offers a perfect opportunity for the Scottish Government to signal its commitment to working with business, schools and colleges to expand apprentice programmes across the country.

“With the SNP passing up an opportunity to deliver a transformative investment in education in the recent budget, apprenticeships are more important than ever for driving social mobility and ensuring Scotland develops a high wage, highly skilled economy.

“Part and parcel of this is ensuring there are a range of apprenticeship packages available for women, those looking to retrain and disabled people as well as school leavers, so that everyone has a chance to find a career that is perfect for them.”

Willie Rennie

Scottish Lib Dem Leader Willie Rennie visited Smart Cookies nursery in Cupar to meet the modern apprentices studying childcare with the company.

Tavish Scott

Shetland MSP Tavish Scott visited the offices of Estates Management at Shetland Islands Council. He met Marie Laurenson, who has completed apprenticeships in plumbing, painting and decorating, and presented Rhona Tait with the award of Scottish Building and Housing Apprentice of the Year 2018. Rhona is in her third year as an apprentice building technician and is studding for an HNC in architectural technology.

Tavish went on to meet a group of apprentices working in the care sector in Islesburgh.

Finally, Tavish visited cadets studying engineering and aquaculture at the North Atlantic Fisheries College.

Alex Cole-Hamilton

Edinburgh Western MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton ventured out to Edinburgh airport to meet engineering technician apprentices being trained by Forth Valley College and see first-hand the model runway they have developed.

Liam McArthur

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur met with a team of modern apprentices studying electrical installation at E Fraser Electrical in Finstown.