AS we look to 2021, the easing of restrictions and an imminent vaccine seem to herald the signs of hope and progress. Without denying that the Scottish Government still has a huge job on its hands as it sets out plans for economic recovery, I was encouraged by the First Minister’s announcement about the package of support available under the Young Person’s Guarantee. Part of the offer is a well-needed financial boost to employers through the new £15 million Apprenticeship Employer Grant. The grant will provide up to £5,000 for every person taken on or reskilled through an apprenticeship as it recognises the challenging circumstances employers face as a result of Coronavirus.
We d just begun our careers - and then the pandemic hit
By Laura Hutton
image captionLaura Hutton: Modern apprenticeships like mine are based on something quite simple - they allow you to earn while you learn.
The sudden lockdown in March this year turned the world of work upside down. Millions were sent home to refashion their living rooms into a place to do business. For many that was a challenge, but imagine what it was like for those of us only just beginning our working lives.
I joined the BBC in September last year as a digital journalism apprentice working to a clear timetable in a number of departments. The on-the-job experience is combined with a college course that leads to a recognised professional qualification.
Construction underway on National Manufacturing Institute Scotland headquarters 15 Dec 2020
Construction has begun on the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland headquarters The new headquarters of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) will help manufacturers maximise opportunities and overcome challenges, its CEO has said.
Construction has begun on a 3.5 hectare site next to Glasgow Airport, at the heart of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland in Renfrewshire.
The headquarters will be the ‘linchpin for the future of manufacturing in Scotland’, the NMIS said. The new building will house a fully digitalised ‘factory of the future’, a skills academy and collaboration hub that will bring manufacturers together to work on innovative new technologies and products. The facility will support Scottish and international manufacturing and engineering firms of all sizes, from all sectors.
FUTURE OF EDUCATION
Edinburgh-based JB Contracts is one construction firm which has continued to invest in work-based learning, taking on six new apprentices in recent months.
In direct response to the pandemic, firms taking on an apprentice will now have increased support from the government and Skills Development Scotland A range of measures aimed at helping employers and apprentices during the current pandemic have been announced by the Scottish Government. The new Apprenticeship Employer Grant is part of the Young Person’s Guarantee and aims to encourage more employers to take on a new Modern or Graduate Apprentice or upskill an existing staff member through an apprenticeship.
Call to nominate inspirational young people for top award
Young Scot Awards 2021 will recognise outstanding 11 to 26-year-olds from all backgrounds who are making a difference
Organisers of the awards are keen to secure West Lothian nominations
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