As Scotland moves towards economic recovery, it’s never been more important to support our young people.
We know that our young workforce has been hit particularly hard by the pandemic.
We also know that during periods of economic decline, our sustained investment in young talent can help us to emerge stronger and more competitive.
The Scottish Government has maintained its commitment to apprenticeships, putting work-based learning at the heart of recovery plans.
Role to play in economic recovery
Scottish Apprenticeships directly support the Scottish Government’s Young Person’s Guarantee, creating thousands of opportunities every year.
Apprenticeships are proven to provide pathways that deliver for young people, which is even more important in challenging economic times.
They also provide the skills employers need that will be critical to economic recovery.
Employer support through pandemic
Thanks to the commitment from employers, young people are continuing to benefit from work-based learning pathways and securing good quality jobs, even through the challenges of the past year.
We believe that apprenticeships offer the best route to strengthening businesses while creating opportunities.
Surveys consistently show the value that apprenticeships can bring to both employers and young people.
Figures from Skills Development Scotland show 91% of those completing an apprenticeship are still in employment after six months and furthermore, 96% of employers would recommend apprenticeships to other businesses in their sector.
Incentives supporting uptake
Skills Development Scotland wants to ensure that as many employers and young people as possible can benefit from apprenticeships as a critical part of economic recovery.
Throughout the pandemic SDS has worked with the Scottish Government to make sure support to recruit young people and sustain apprenticeships is there when it’s needed most.
The Apprenticeship Employer Grant supported more than 2,300 employers to take on 3,876 apprentices.
Payments of £5000 for employers taking on an apprentice who has been made redundant also remain in place, benefiting businesses and sustaining apprenticeships.
While further individual support for apprentices who have been made redundant to achieve their qualifications is also available through the Apprentice Transition Plan service.
With Foundation Apprenticeships for pupils firmly embedded in the learning system and the continued demand for Graduate Apprenticeships from employers to meet critical skills needs, work-based learning will play a crucial role in recovery for the months and years ahead.
Employers can find out more about apprenticeships and support available at apprenticeships.scot
