MSP addresses population decline in the Highlands
With the Caithness population expected to fall by 9.3 per cent over the next 10 years, Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain is calling for the creation of more apprenticeship schemes across the Highlands to help reverse the trend.
Marking the start of Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2021, the MSP not only believes this will boost the economic recovery of the region but will ensure young people have more reason to stay in the Highlands rather than leaving the area due to a lack of opportunities.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2021 runs from March 1-5 and is a time to share the value apprenticeships can bring to individuals, employers and the economy.
This year’s theme is Business Backing Talent, to showcase what can happen when employers back talent through apprenticeships.
Commenting, Mr Mountain said: “Creating new apprenticeship opportunities is not only key for the Highland economic recovery but also for reversing depopulation crisis in our region.
“We must ensure that more of our young people have career opportunities available to them in the Highlands and, therefore, have reason to stay rather than relocating elsewhere for work.
“Young people have already been hit hard by the economic impact of the pandemic and unless more apprenticeships are created in the Highlands they will continue to see their futures taken away from them. No politician should allow that to happen.
“That’s exactly why creating more jobs and more apprenticeships in the Highlands is one of my top priorities as we head towards May’s Scottish Elections.”
More info can be found on Scottish Apprenticeship Week at www.apprenticeships.scot/scottish-apprenticeship-week/
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