New hub seeks to get the best from apprenticeship system
A NEW local learning enterprise aims to help young people and employers get the best from the apprenticeship system.
North Highland College UHI and Developing the Young Workforce North Highland (DYW), led by Caithness Chamber of Commerce, have signed a partnership agreement to formalise their new initiative, the Apprenticeship Hub, which will support apprenticeship growth and benefit the Caithness and Sutherland economy.
College principal Donald MacBeath said the scheme will develop and promote apprenticeship opportunities.
“The college has played an active role in DYW since its inception," he explained. "The strength of the partnership working between college staff and local employers is already evident in the year-on-year growth in the number and range of apprenticeship opportunities we provide, with over 150 apprentices currently enrolled with us in disciplines such as engineering, care, business, hospitality, gamekeeping and hairdressing.
"I look forward to seeing further new and exciting apprenticeship opportunities being developed and promoted through the new Apprenticeship Hub.”
The agreement was signed at the college open evening and exam results drop-in session at the Thurso campus. Lecturers and student services teams were on hand offering advice and guidance to school leavers, those returning to education, employers and young people looking for information on modern apprenticeships.
The partners in the Apprenticeship Hub will work together to coordinate and grow work-based learning, engaging with employers to help simplify the apprenticeship offer and demonstrate a return on their investment in the skills system.
Caithness Chamber of Commerce chief executive Trudy Morris said: “Two of the key objectives for the DYW initiative are to boost employment and work experience opportunities in the region, and to strengthen partnerships between businesses and education providers.
“Ensuring that employers throughout the north Highlands have a clear understanding of the benefits offered by the apprenticeship family and engaging with them to increase the uptake of apprenticeships of all types is key to meeting these goals and to ensuring that young people throughout the region have access to the employment and skills development opportunities they need.”
The new initiative has been supported and welcomed by Jamie Hepburn, Scotland's minister for business, fair work and skills.
He said: “I was pleased to hear about the successful open evening at North Highland College and the important partnership between themselves and Developing the Young Workforce North Highland. The new hub will provide vital advice and support to young people in this region, helping them to understand their available options and allowing them to pursue the right path for them.“
He added: “Developing the Young Workforce is Scotland’s youth employment strategy, with the main aim being to reduce youth unemployment levels by 40 per cent by 2021. I’m delighted to say this target was achieved four years ahead of schedule. Going forward we are committed to strengthening partnerships across the country to sustain and build on this progress.”
