12 March 2011

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart says it is absolutely vital to create more apprenticeships if the region's economy is to pull out of the recession.

Mr Stewart was speaking at a 'A Completion of Apprenticeships' Mini Summit summit he organised which was held on Friday (March 11) at Inshes Church Hall in Inverness.

Delegates discussed how apprentices finding themselves out of work can complete learning the skills which can drive the economic recovery in the coming years.

Among ideas which came out of the discussion were proposals to amend procurement law so contractors would be obliged to use local firms as much as possible, having a Highland-wide enterprise zone and being more flexible in terms of funding and delivery of training.

Mr Stewart said:

"We had a fruitful meeting which produced a number of ideas which may be worth pursuing.

"We need to have growth in apprenticeships through new jobs in construction and the renewable energy industry.

"We need to find a way to enable all apprentices to complete their courses and I believe that a way forward may be found in terms of a multi agency approach.

"We need to ensure these bright young men and women, who are such a valuable commodity to our economy, can complete their training."

He decided to organise the event following a series of blows to the region's construction industry last year, first with the collapse of HQC and then Rok, resulting in the loss of several hundred local jobs.

The Government's Adopt an Apprentice Scheme - where employers are be paid up to £2,000 to recruit a redundant apprentice and enable them to finish their apprenticeship - has been operating since June 2009 but there is currently uncertainty over its future.

In addition employers in the construction, manufacturing and engineering sectors can also Safeguard an Apprentice.

This initiative offers employers £75 per week wage subsidy to retain a current apprentice where the company is experiencing difficulties as a result of the economic downturn.

However Mr Stewart, while recognising that the two schemes have helped some apprentices to reach their qualifications, believes that more could be done.

He has tabled written Parliamentary Questions asking about the take-up and effectiveness of the Adopt an Apprentice scheme.