The lowdown on apprenticeships

The call comes ahead of Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2016 from February 29 to 4 March.
Last year there were 753 new Modern Apprenticeships in the region.
Skills Development Scotland Dumfries and Galloway chief executive Brian Richardson said: “Apprenticeships cover a huge range of jobs for young women and men – not just traditional trades.
“We would encourage employers in Dumfries and Galloway to consider how Modern Apprentices could help develop their workforce, provide skilled staff for the future and support their business goals.”
SDS head of region Hazel Mathieson said: “Three quarters of Modern Apprentice employers reported improved productivity as a result of employing apprentices.
“While 71 per cent said Modern Apprentices improved service or product quality – so the benefits to businesses are clear.”
Skills Development Scotland can provide advice and support to employers. They also pay a contribution towards the cost of training Modern Apprentices on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Find out more at www.apprenticeships.scot