HIGH TECH MEANS are being employed in the hope of appealing to more young people to consider apprenticeships as the road to a new career.
Scottish Apprentice Week from March 6 will highlight the benefits for businesses that have decided to invest in the skills of their employees and the success stories of young people choosing to work, learn and earn.
As part of the campaign, a free Facebook live event will be held during the week with apprentices working in Moray, all nine secondary schools in the area and Moray College UHI.
The live event will allow young people to see apprentices at work and pose questions directly to them and can be accessed by anyone who is thinking about an apprenticeship or looking for more information as long as they have access to a Facebook account.
The event is one of four across the week that will provide opportunities for young people, parents and employers to find out more about apprenticeships and the great career opportunities work based learning can offer.
Employers who wish to know more about apprenticeships or those already involved in Modern Apprenticeships are invited to attend a business breakfast at the Beechtree restaurant at Moray College UHI from 8.00am to 9.30am on Wednesday 8th March.
Guest speakers from industry will talk about new Foundation Apprenticeships while Skills Development Scotland (SDS) advisors will be on hand to provide guidance on the different types of apprenticeships available, the benefits to business, the funding available and how the process works.
The breakfast is free to attend but those wishing to attend are asked to register through Eventbrite.
Directly following this event on Wednesday, March 8 a ‘Meet the Employer’ event will take place at Moray College UHI between 10.00am to 3.00pm. Following on that evening the SDS Centre at 232 Elgin High Street will host a ‘Meet the Parents’ evening from 4.00pm to 7.00pm.
Parents will have the chance to meet local employers and training providers, along with staff from the SDS Careers Information, Advice and Guidance service based in schools across Moray.
Again, this event is free to attend but registration through Eventbrite is required.
This year, in Moray, Scottish Apprenticeship Week is being supported by Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Moray, an industry led board which aims to reduce youth unemployment by creating stronger links between business and education.
Willie Wood, Chair of DYW Moray and Group HR Director of Johnstons of Elgin said: “An apprentice is worth the investment. Motivated apprentices bring new thinking and fresh energy and learning on the job helps you get to develop your workforce to meet the specific needs of your industry.”
“This week offers a great opportunity to take an hour or so to find out a bit more about the funding and support available for recruiting apprentices or about becoming an apprentice.”
SDS Area Manager for Moray Dave McCallum added: “Scottish Apprenticeship Week is a great chance for employers to find out more about the benefits of apprenticeships and work based learning.
“There are lots of ways for employers and organisations to get involved from recruiting apprentices or hosting an event which promotes the week and shares successful stories.”
To find out more about Scottish Apprenticeship Week visit www.scottishapprenticeshipweek.com
To secure your place at the events please book through Eventbrite or for more information contact DYW Moray on 01343 610388.