A North Ayrshire vitamin manufacturer urged employers to give
their business a boost by taking on a Modern Apprentice.
DSM Nutritional Products - which produces Vitamins C and B5 -
has been supporting apprenticeships for a number of years in roles
across its laboratories, manufacturing operations, maintenance and
quality departments.
Lynne MacDonald, HR and Training Specialist at the company,
today (7 September) spoke to employers during a Business Breakfast
hosted by North Ayrshire Council to tell them of the benefits of
getting involved in the Modern Apprenticeship Programme.
Two of DSM's apprentices also shared their experiences at the
event that was held during the first ever Scottish Apprenticeship
Week (5-9 September).
Lynne MacDonald said: "Our long-serving members of staff pass on
their skills and experience to apprentices so the Modern
Apprenticeship programme is an excellent way to plan for succession
in the business.
"Apprentices contribute to the organisation while they are
learning and the programme allows them the opportunity to enhance
training they have received by seeing it in practice.
"I would encourage other employers to get involved as they will
soon benefit from what is an exceptionally rewarding
programme."
Damien Yeates, Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland,
the body that supports the Modern Apprenticeship programme, also
encouraged employers to get involved.
He said: "We are delighted that North Ayrshire Council hosted an
event to encourage employers to take on Modern Apprentices.
"It provided an ideal opportunity for employers to hear directly
from someone who has been through the process and realised the
benefits of taking on an apprentice.
"Through the Modern Apprenticeship programme, employers can
develop a strong, loyal and competitive workforce while also
improving productivity."
This year Skills Development Scotland is looking to work with
Scottish employers to recruit 25,000 new Modern Apprentices - 5000
more than last year - in over 80 different occupations.
Councillor John Reid, North Ayrshire Council's spokesperson for
Strategic and Corporate Services, added: "It is well documented
that our area suffers from high levels of worklessness,
particularly among young people.
"However, we continue to commit significant resources to
tackling unemployment and, working alongside Skills Development
Scotland, the Council has this year provided employment for 90
Modern Apprentices in services such as social care, IT, catering
and civil engineering.
"I hope that this Business Breakfast will demonstrate to other
local employers that there are huge economic benefits to the Modern
Apprenticeship scheme and will create momentum for an improved jobs
market in North Ayrshire."
Employers should call 0800 7836000 or visit our Modern
Apprenticeships pages for more information.