MSP Mercedes Villalba visits metal fabrication company in Dundee
A Dundee firm which benefited from SDS’s Skills for Growth programme has been explaining the benefits to a local MSP.
Mercedes Villalba, Labour MSP for North East Scotland visited Metaltech to find out more about work-based learning and the local support that SDS provides to both employers and apprentices.
The Metal fabrication company made use of Skills for Growth to help them diversify the business and to change the focus from design and fit to manufacture.
Skills for Growth – offered by SDS in partnership with specialist consultants - helps small and medium-sized employers adapt to change and understand their skills needs.
Fully-funded and offering employers a range of potential solutions unique to them through a bespoke People Skills Action Plan, Skills for Growth guides employers towards the right support, including training opportunities and appropriate funding initiatives.
An enhanced marketing strategy was developed by Metaltech, and the company is currently looking to introduce leadership and management training to help bring rising stars through the business. Metaltech employs 50 staff and six Modern Apprentices.
SDS Employer Engagement Adviser Kathryn Hill, who supported Metaltech through Skills for Growth said: “I have really enjoyed working with Wattie and his team, they are family run business and really look at developing their staff.
“Their continued investment in MA’s show they are committed to bring young people into the business and help them carve out their career.
“I first started working with Wattie Milne, Managing Director, as he had been referred from another Skills For Growth business, the project came at a great time and we identified many areas of support.”
Apprenticeships are essential to support skills demand and work-based learning ensures that apprentices can develop their chose careers in a supportive and dedicated environment, to help them go on to secure well paid, quality jobs.
Mercedes Villalba
Labour MSP for North East Scotland
Ms Villalba said: “Apprenticeships are essential to support skills demand and work-based learning ensures that apprentices can develop their chose careers in a supportive and dedicated environment, to help them go on to secure well paid, quality jobs.
Employers are able to work with young talent, which allows the business to innovate and invest in the local community.”
To find out more about Skills for Growth, visit the SDS Employer Hub.